Larry Alvin Kramer

Larry Alvin Kramer was born to Charles A. and Ada M. Kramer at their home in Salt Lake City, Utah on August 21, 1934. Larry passed away peacefully at the age of 83 in South Jordan, Utah on May 24, 2018 surrounded by the ones he loved.

Always an ambitious self-starter, Larry would arise early in the morning and set about to work hard and be well-organized before anyone else was up. In his youth he’d be the first to build a fire in the coal stove, and sold magazines to earn money. This helped nurture his talent to organize and create ways to earn and save his money towards big purchase goals. Larry found great joy in providing in this way for his family and others. He loved to create surprises, his annual new boat was always the family favorite. Boating, especially at Lake Powell since its creation in the early 1960’s, was his favorite place to be to create memories with his family and strengthen their bond. Many other friends were also made part of this bond over the years, as friends were always welcome and included. As were young adult groups. These traditions are now carried on by his adult children in his loving honor, continuing to bring happiness and joy to hundreds of others.

“Kram” as he was called endearingly was known for several trademarks such as – a spotless Kramer car, the perfect Kramer hair, and an immaculate Kramer yard. He loved basketball and continued to play into his sixties on league or church teams. Volleyball, was his favorite family gathering game of choice.

Family was everything to Larry. Beginning in his youth, his mother had a life threatening cerebral hemorrhage while he was in Junior High. Worried for her, Larry slept by her bedside and often stayed out of school to care for her. He finished school during the summer, later graduating from Granite High School. He provided lovingly for both his parents in his home in their later life until they each in turn passed away. He loved them and always worked to honor them. Larry also spoke often of his six siblings that he loves and cares about deeply, truly desiring their happiness.

Larry met his eternal sweetheart Lyneve Wilson, “the prettiest girl in Salt Lake City,” in 1952 at a Sing Time Program at Liberty Park. They were engaged three months later, and sealed in the Salt Lake Temple June 12, 1953. This year is their 65th wedding anniversary. Larry loves his beautiful Lyn, something he repeatedly expressed and demonstrated till his passing, not wanting to have to let her go. Larry often thanked Lyn for their beautiful family which he cherished, provided for, sacrificed for, protected, and loved with his whole heart and soul. Larry and Lyn’s children know without question that they are each individually loved and adored by their parents. This is their greatest gift from them.

Larry built a successful career in the food industry. He began work at Lynn Wilson Products Company in April 1956 and worked his way up to be a member of the board of directors and VP of sales. Those that worked with him loved him and say that he was highly regarded for his dependability and honest dealings. He worked to empower people and never micro-managed. He retired from Wilson’s June 15, 1999 after 43 dedicated years. After retiring Larry and Lyn moved to a lovely home they had built in St. George, Utah until returning to live in Salt Lake City in 2014. They enjoyed retirement spending time together at home, gardening, in service, with family and extended family, and traveling with family to Lake Powell, Alaska, England, Israel, California, Florida, and Church history sites.

Larry was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He loved the Lord and the gospel. He was a great leader and influenced many people in his service in a variety of callings in both the ward and stake through his diligence and testimony of Jesus Christ. Some of his fondest memories in service for the church came from working with those he served in his calling as a Bishop for the Brighton First Ward (1995-1999), and on an 18 month mission with Lyn in Manchester England beginning in 2002, and together as St. George Temple workers beginning in 2006. Lyn says, “People really loved him and they were happy to serve with him, as he did and was with them.”

Larry is survived by his beloved wife Lyneve Wilson Kramer; son Kenneth (Josette) Kramer; daughters Cindy (Scott) McGlochlin, Karen (Harold) Toombs, Michelle (Todd) Jones, and Camille (Jay) England, 27 grandchildren and 44 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Richard M. Kramer; and precious daughter Vicky Lyn Kramer. Funeral services honoring Larry will be held Saturday, June 2 at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary 3401 South Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah 84106. Viewing is 9:30-10:45 am, Celebration of Larry’s Life 11:00 am -12:00 pm, followed by graveside prayer and Larry’s favorite treat.

Special thanks to Sagewood at Daybreak and Comfort Works Hospice Care where Larry and Lyn had/have many friends and caregivers. Particularly Rosie, Jordan, and Carol.