Doris Kramer

Doris was born Aug. 12, 1930, in Dupont, Ohio, to the late Fred and Edith (Williamson) Rau. She became blind shortly after birth and spent much of her childhood at the Ohio School for the Blind in Columbus, Ohio. After graduation, she met and married Ralph Kramer. They moved back to Iron Mountain in 1956, where they raised six children and enjoyed 53 years together.

Doris will always be remembered for her ability to face life’s challenges. Although blind, she lived a full and happy life. She turned her disability into compassion for others, love for her family and friends and an innate ability to look at life with joy in her heart and a smile on her face.

Encouraged by her husband, she participated in the Dickinson Community Chorus and in the choir at St. Mary & St. Joseph’s Church. She was an avid reader and knitter and enjoyed playing bingo. She rode motorcycle with Ralph and was always willing to try something new. Above all, she enjoyed spending time with her family and was always happiest when babysitting her grandchildren or at Carol’s, surrounded by the little dogs.

Doris is survived by two daughters, Margaret (Robert) Minerick and Carol (Mark) Schultz; three sons, Dave (Georgia) Kramer, Brian (Traci) Kramer and Ken (Lynn) Kramer; 11 grandchildren, Rob (Adrienne) Minerick, Phillip (Brooke) Minerick, Jon Minerick, Brandon (Carrie) Schultz, Dominic Schultz, Chad (Kathy Schultz), Sean Kramer, Beth (Dave) Whitehall, Ben (Sarii) Kramer, Miranda (Fran) Westrich and Jamie Kramer; 11 great-grandchildren, Madison, Luke, Bria, Phoenix, Trevor, Olivia, Elizabeth, lyliegh, Adalyn, Owen and Jacob Paul (JP); one sister, Judy Rau; three brothers-in-law, Conrad (Marlene) Kramer, Lawrence Kramer and Gregory Kramer; one sister-in-law, Mary Ellen Hardell; and many nieces and nephews.

Along with her husband, Ralph, Doris is preceded in death by her son, Christopher; and eight siblings, Jim, Evie, Shirley, Fred, Danny, Robert, Edna and Albert.

Visitation will be held from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 16, at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home, 901 Carpenter Ave. Father Janusz Romanek will officiate the funeral Mass on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at St. Mary & St. Joseph Catholic Church, 411 W. B St. Burial will be at Cemetery Park on June 17 at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Doris’s name may be made to the Almost Home Animal Shelter in Quinnesec.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Doris Kramer online at www.ernashfuneralhome.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.

Always in our hearts and thoughts, she is back with dad and at peace. We will miss you, mom.