Joseph E. Kramer

Joe Kramer, 88, of Aurora, IL, Naperville, IL and Princeton, KY passed away on December 31, 2015 at Edward Hospital in Naperville. He was preceded in death by his wife Rosemary, son John, brother Raymond, and parents Joseph and Doris. He is survived by his son, Steve of Aurora, daughter, Sue (Michael) Harrawood of Orland Park, grandchildren Ashley (Geoff) Kinney, Christian Harrawood, Madison Harrawood, great grandchildren Lorelai and Logan Kinney and his sister, Kay DuPree of Overland Park, KS. Joe was born and raised in Batavia, IL. He attended Holy Cross Church and went to high school at Marmion Military Academy. Upon graduation Joe joined the Navy and served faithfully in World War II. After the war he earned a degree from Loyola University and began his career at Northern Illinois Gas Company (Nicor) in Naperville, IL where he retired in 1986. Joe raised his family in Aurora, IL where he was an active member of Holy Angels Church and the Knights of Columbus Bellarmine Council. After retirement, Joe and Rosemary relocated to the lakes and hills of western Kentucky. Joe, an avid outdoorsman, spent many happy years in Kentucky hunting, fishing and tending to his garden and flowers. He was an active member of St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Princeton, KY. In the fall of 2008, he moved back to Aurora to live out the remainder of his senior years surrounded by family and friends and the new friends he made at the Fox Knoll Retirement Community. Due to Joe’s outgoing nature, he captured the nickname, ‘The Mayor of Fox Knoll’. He was always known to lend a helping hand, welcome new residents and enjoyed helping in the garden. Joe attended mass in the Fox Knoll chapel and hung out with his buddies playing bingo, Wii bowling and poker. In the spring of 2013, he was awarded a life membership from his beloved Knights of Columbus Bellarmine Council. In December 2015, Joe relocated to Spring Meadows of Naperville Assisted Living Community where he enjoyed activities and making new friends. The Kramer and Harrawood families are grateful to Gemma, Joe’s loving and supportive caregiver. She was at his side for many years – Joe thrived under her watchful eye and skilled support. Gemma is truly a Godsend to our families. Funeral from THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY will be Thursday, January 7, 2016 at 9:30am to Holy Angels Church at 10:00am. Interment will be at West Batavia Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday, January 6, 2016 from 3:00PM until 7:00 PM, with The Rosary being recited at 6:30 PM, at THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY, 220 N. Lake Street, Aurora, IL 60506 (630) 631-5500. Please visit our interactive website at www.daleidenmortuary.com where you may leave condolences for Joe’s family. Memorial contributions may be sent to Marmion Academy 1000 Butterfield Rd, Aurora, IL 60502. Joe always loved color. His family invites you to wear bright colors to his services.

Joseph E. Kramer

November 28, 1927 - December 31, 2015