Reinard Kramer

On August 11, 2010, Reinard Kramer joined his son, Don for a domino game in heaven. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, August 14, at St. Louis Catholic Church with Father John Guzaldo as celebrant, followed by burial at St. Mary's Cemetery in West, Texas. Rosary and visitation will be 7 p.m. Friday, August 13, at OakCrest Funeral Home, 4520 Bosque Blvd., led by Deacon Greg George.

Reinard Kramer, 90, was born October 12, 1919 in Leroy, Texas to Otto and Minnie Kramer. Reinard grew up in Waco with his parents and ten brothers and sisters. During WWII, Reinard served in the U.S. Marines and participated in the defense of Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, during the attack by Japanese on December 7, 1941. He is a member of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association. In 1944, Reinard attended a dance in the upstairs part of the old Sear's building in downtown Waco where he met his future wife, Georgia Kapavik. They married on November 26, 1945, and this November would have marked the 65th year of their lives together.

After serving in the Marines, Reinard worked for General Tire Company for 35 dedicated years as an inspector in the final finish line. He also served as a volunteer for Geneva Hall in Elm Mott for 30 years and helped with Bingo on Friday nights. Reinard and his wife Georgia also loved traveling quite a bit. At the age of 14, he took a trip to New York to visit family. Over the years, he and Georgia traveled to all 50 states. They enjoyed making frequent trips to Louisiana with their friends and playing dominoes regularly. Reinard and Georgia were together 24/7, and their sweet love continued to grow as each year passed by.

Reinard will be remembered most for his kind heart, generosity, humor, and humility. If anyone ever told him how handsome he was, he would immediately say "You need to get you some glasses." He dedicated all of his time to his family and to whatever new projects he could find. He was known as the man who could fix and build anything out of anything--he was most definitely a creative handyman. Reinard, grandpa, dad, papa, "Eskimo pie," will forever remain in the hearts of his family.

Reinard was preceded in death by his parents, ten brothers and sisters, and his son, Don Kramer.

He is survived by wife, Georgia Kramer; son Ron Kramer and wife Rita Kramer; daughter-in-law Tinker Kramer; grandchildren Jason, Philip, Justin, Kimberly, Casey, and Chelsea Kramer, Amy Ward and husband Brandon Ward; and great-grandchildren Landree and Chance Kramer.

Pallbearers will be Gerry Girard, Philip Kramer, Jason Kramer, Justin Kramer, Kimberly Kramer, and Chelsea Kramer. Honorary pallbearers will be Amy Ward and Casey Kramer.

Memorials can be made to St. Louis School or Church on 2001 N. 25th St, Waco, TX, 76708, or to a favorite charity.

Special thanks would like to be made Charla Hughes of Hillcrest Hospice and Richard Jones, LVN on the 4th floor of Hillcrest for their special love and care for Reinard during his last days.