I met Bob when we were both patients on the orthopedic ward at Walter Reed Army Hospital.  We were both recovering from wounds suffered in Viet Nam.  He was truly a character who kept my spirits up.  He was the real deal as a combat veteran.

'Kramer', as he was known to us, was a great friend and team-mate. He played with our team, the 'Snowbirds', at several 'old guys' National baseball tournaments in Florida and Phoenix. He was a real character and loved to play ball and loved talking about.. everything. One time, in Phoenix, my baseball glove's stitching ripped apart during a game and I thought I couldn't play anymore. But Bob took my glove back to his beloved truck...and redid the stitching in about 15 minutes and gave it back to me and I was able to continue. All of us 'Snowbirds' who played with him, will miss his # 67, his beard, and that hanky hanging out of his back pocket.

To Pat & Family,
So sorry about the loss of your brother.  Wow! What a legacy he leaves behind.  God needed him to coach the best league in heaven.  My deepest sympathy!

Bob....your laugh is etched in my brain forever....I'll miss you always.

Bob always had a smile and a joke. He took life as it came and never complained. Bob will be missed by old friends and young. God bless my friend.

He was a good man, with a million stories to tell. I'm going to miss our visits.

Love you, Bob. Always so kind and interested in the people you met. Thanks for your good-natured humor, the smiles and laughter.

Joie de vivre - that was Kramer. He could and would talk about anything. Bob would put a spin on it that would make you think - and his eyes would twinkle till they spilled over to his infectious laugh. Everything could be made a joy in Bob's eyes; rained out games meant more time to socialize and laugh. Every day was a party when Bob Kramer was involved.

I met him through my best friend Rayna and her husband Steve Hiler. Bob made every person he met feel special. One of our co-workers at Red Lobster was in a rough patch in her life and Bob was able to help her get through it in his special ways.

I will miss his laugh and his humor.

If there is a heaven then dogs are certainly allowed and 48 is there waiting for you Bob.

Bob was my assistant coach two years ago when we coached the U10 East Lansing Thunderbirds. We didn't win many games, but the game we won were very memorable. Who can forget scoring four runs in the final inning to pull ahead and win the game against Olivet!  We didn't have a hit the entire inning! And as soon as the last run crossed the plate, the skies opened up and a huge downpour drenched us as everyone ran to their cars. Bob and I reminisced about that game last Monday at my oldest son's East Lansing JV game.  My last conversation with Coach Kramer was about baseball and how well my son was playing the game.  Safe travels to you, Bob Kramer.

Patty,
My condolences to you on the loss of your brother.  I remember him from when I visited your house when we were in elementary school.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family.
Linda (Connell) Frederick

I got to know Bob more after I returned home from Vietnam.  He roomed with a guy I worked with and we would see him everywhere baseball or softball was.  I last saw him during a EL youth league game last summer and we chatted like it was old times. I will miss him along with his humor and smile.

I got to know Bob more after I returned home from Vietnam.  He roomed with a guy I worked with and we would see him everywhere baseball or softball was.  I last saw him during a EL youth league game last summer and we chatted like it was yesterday. I will miss him along with his humor and smile.

I have so many good memories of Bob at Muni, watching him play, sitting beside him and chatting while Jeff played, and listening to his encouraging remarks as I played. Anyone who's met him will always think "Baseball" but will also remember with fondness his sunshine smile, that deep belly laugh, and the twinkle in his eyes.

Patty, My condolences to you and your family on the loss of your brother. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead, and loving and fun memories to hold in your heart. Susan (Stilwill) Lee

Bob was a huge part of my families life at the baseball field.  I will never forget him throwing batting practice to Lucas before the games started or announcing him running around the bases and pretending like he was going to get Lucas out right before home plate.  He gave Lucas his first batting helmet, ball gloves and Madcattle shirts.  I will always remember his loving heart, the way he always cared about others and his love of the game.  Bob you will be truly missed by the Aemmer household.

My thoughts to Bob's family. He will be missed by many. I considered Bob a good friend and looked forward to talking baseball as well as many other subjects. A very knowledgeable man who I will miss a great deal and think of often........

I really never had a chance to get to know Bob very well but what I did know of him I knew he was a special person. I often would see him on the baseball field or at the Baseball Kingdom bringing in a young player for lessons. He was always so friendly and would show so much enthusiasm to talk about sports. He will be greatly missed by the community and everyone that knew him. Rest in peace Bob.

His love of playing, talking and teaching baseball has been well documented here, so I would just like to mention the impact he had on me as a young man.  I only just met him in 2012 when I joined the Madcattle.  He found value in every player on the team, regardless of their athletic prowess.  Win or lose, it was about being present and being involved, no matter now that looked.  We spent tons of time in the batting cages together and I cherished those moments then and even more now.  One of the last conversations I had with him I accidentally beaned him in the shoulder while he was batting..."You got a problem with old people, Durham?"  I'll smile every time I think of him....RIP Kramer, you are truly Madcattle for Life!

Bob's fun personality and his passion for baseball will be greatly missed.  His vibrant personality made Umpiring games at Municipal so much more fun.  To Bob's friends and family, my prayers go out to you in this time of loss.

Bob had a greater love for the game of baseball than anyone I know.   Always a pleasure to talk to and one of the most memorable people I have ever met.   You will be missed for sure.   Certainly deserving of a memorial at Municipal Park.
He always gave something to the game and to the people that loved it.

-Byron Penoyer

If you spent any time around Rec or ELBC baseball over the last decade - about when our boys started to play, you couldn't avoid Bob's infectious enthusiasm, his love of life, his gentle approach to teaching the game, his desire to talk baseball and its history (did I mention his desire to talk and talk and talk baseball and its history?!). A better ambassador for the city, for the baseball club and for us all I can't think of... Rest in peace and love, Bob.

I have so many great memories of hanging out with Bob and my best friend Debbie. Bob was a saint to put up with our teenage girl antics. We had so much fun and he was protective of us in a very sweet way. Godspeed my old friend. You live on.

I moved away from East Lansing many, may years ago and only saw Bob a few times over the intervening three decades, at ELHS reunions and, most memorably, when he showed up for my father's memorial, totally unexpected but true to his kind nature.

I will certainly miss all his great baseball stories and memories of playing baseball (and HS sports) that he shared.  A piece of Bob's legacy lives on with each and every player that he inspired while coaching in Lansing and East Lansing.  Thanks for all you did for our area youth.  RIP in Coach.

Summers won't be the same without you, Kramer. May you rest well, dear friend, and watch over all of the guys on the field who looked up to you. You'll never be forgotten and your legacy will live on.

I've gained another angel.. You will forever live in my heart! I love you DAD!❤❤❤

For the love of the game...you played it well my friend.  To be continued!

Bob was the best.  He told so many great baseball stories, and I will miss hearing them around the ballpark.  Bob's positivity and kindness made this world a better place.

Ken and I will truly miss Bob, he had a heart of gold and would do anything to help you... We will miss seeing him at the ball field and buying our Christmas trees from him... Condolences to Bob's family.

I'm sorry for your loss.  He was very special to have been loved so much.

You will forever live in my heart!! I have gain another angel! I love you Dad!

Bob was the most giving and helpful person you will ever meet.  He loved baseball.  You will be sadly missed at the start of every ballgame.  PLay Ball.

Still can not believe we will not see you at the park this summer Bob. Your kindness, great stories and knowledge and love of baseball are unrivalled. I could never pass up the opportunity to chat with you because I knew I would walk away with something learned. The baseball you brought to our wedding is one of our most cherished gifts as you also brought a pen for all to sign it with. I know I will still look out to the road while working in the yard thinking you may drive by and stop to chat. Muni will be surreal this summer and for many summers after that. Rest in peace my friend. You will be missed by so many, but I know you will still be watching us play.

Bob was perhaps the most generous person I've known. We miss him so much already. If you asked him for help he really was happy to help you. He was the only person our dog liked enough to allow in the house...besides us. Even Sparky will miss him.  He volunteered his time to coach little league and always bought the kids bananas in case they were starving before practice.  He is and always was a beautiful soul.  Peace Bob. Love you forever...Carol Jim and lil Nick

OBITUARY

Robert S. Kramer

April 4, 1950 – May 7, 2015

Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes

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