John R. Kramer, age 82, of Elkton, SD was called home by the Lord on Saturday morning, August 12, 2017 while in his home, under hospice care.  John Ronald was born on August 15, 1934 to Lester Frank and Ada Ella (Schaffer) Kramer. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church. He attended elementary school at Sunnyside Dist. 66 and graduated from Elkton High School in 1952. John worked for Prather Motors, helped Hans Bauman on the farm and did line construction for Parkey Construction before entering the United States Army in 1956. John worked as a lineman while enlisted and was honorably discharged in 1958. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Joyce Baker, on September 3, 1959. To this union two sons were born, Ron and Kelly. While residing in Minnesota, John farmed for a couple years near Northfield before being employed at L & M Farmstore in Faribault and Owatonna. He and Joyce moved back to Elkton, where John bought out Arnie Klosterman Trucking, in 1965. In 1978 John started working for OtterTail Power Company, retiring in 1996. But John couldn't just sit at home, so he drove school bus! John was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church. Church was a big part of John's life and missing Sunday worship, John said "Would mess up the rest of his week." He served on the Trinity Lutheran council and was actively involved with church activities. He served on the church cemetery board, as well. John also volunteered his time, 40 years in fact, with the Elkton Volunteer Fire Department. He and Joyce were able to enjoy sixteen 'snowbird' winters in Arizona.

John is survived by his wife, Joyce; sons, Ron (Marsha) Kramer, of Elkton and Kelly (Patsy Strand) Kramer, of North Platte, NE; grandson, Kiya Kramer, of North Platte and his mom, Theresa; brother, Lester (Jerilyn) Jr. Kramer, of Elkton; sister, Carolee Olson, of Sioux Falls; nieces, nephews and other relatives. John was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Ada, and sister, Lorna, who died at the age of 4.

Funeral Services will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, August 18 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Elkton with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, August 17 at Skroch Funeral Chapel in Elkton.