Reinhardt Kramer

Reinhardt Fritz Kramer, 97, died November 16, 2013. Born at home on August 2, 1916, he was baptized and confirmed at St. John''s United Church of Christ in Burton. He was educated at Hohenwalde School and later completed a home education course. In 1937, Mr. Kramer went to work for Southern Pacific Railroad, and was promoted to Locomotive Engineer in 1944. He served on the Local Grievance Committee for 25 years for the United Transportation Union for the Enginemen. On November 4, 1937, he married Bertha Koester at St. Paul Lutheran Church of Rehburg. After 43 years of marriage, Bertha died on November 10, 1980. On June 7, 1986, he married Ella Maud Seilheimer at St. Paul Lutheran Church of Rehburg. After retirement, Reinhardt moved back to the old homestead farm near Burton, where he raised cattle. Hunting was a favorite sport. His church membership was transferred from Zion Lutheran Church of Houston to St. Paul Lutheran Church of Rehburg in 1977. He was elected to the church council this same year, and served as chairman for two terms. Reinhardt was a devout Christian who loved and served his church. In 1978, he began working with the Boy Scouts, and was proud to see three boys become Eagle Scouts. He received a distinguished Commissions Award, the Extra Miles Award, and District Award of Merit Order of the Arrow. On September 14, 1976, Reinhardt became a member of the Burton Lions Club. He loved the Lions Club and assisted with many fundraisers. He received an Outstanding Service Award at Life Membership of Texas Lions Camp. Other memberships included the Burton Fire Department, Sons of Hermann, and the Burton Cotton Gin. He also served as chairman of the Bethlehem Cemetery Association for 20 years. In 2011, he was awarded the Sons of Hermann Humanitarian Award for service to his neighbors and to his community. Funeral services for Reinhardt F. Kramer will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, November 19, 2013 at St. Paul Lutheran Church of Rehburg, with Pastor Denise Seymour officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 until 8 p.m. Monday evening at Memorial Oaks Chapel. Reinhardt was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Erna Kramer; brother, Henry Kramer, his first wife, Bertha Kramer; sister-in-law Lorene Kramer, and sons-in-law Lawrence Vasek and Johnny Dillon, as well as brothers-in-law Bobby Monroe and Jimmy Rodgers. Survivors include his wife, Ella Maud; daughters Betty Vasek of Cypress and Maedell Dillon of Livingston; grandchildren: Dorothy and Larry Hinsley of McAlister, NM; Sandra and Ben Howell of Brady, TX; David and Sue Vasek of Cypress; Marie and Doug Ivey of Conroe; great-grandchildren: Kim Colvin of The Woodlands, Jennifer Betz of Houston, Heather Hinsley Jennings of McAlister, NM, and Joshua and Lisa Vasek of Cypress; great-great-grandchildren: Summer Jennings of McAlister, NM, and Jacob Betz of Houston; sisters-in-law Martha Monroe and Ivy Kettler, and brother-in-law Wesley Kettler. Serving as pallbearers are William Wendler, Ray Thaler, David Vasek, Glenwood Prenzler, Nelson Neutzler, Glenn Linke, Seith Klehm, and Mark Hundemer. Honorary pallbearers are his grandchildren, as well as Darrell and Keith Monroe. Memorials may be directed to St. Paul Lutheran Church of Rehburg, or to Hospice Brazos Valley, Brenham. The family would like to give special thanks to the many friends and neighbors for their support during this difficult time. We would also like to thank friend and caregiver, Beverly Berger. Funeral arrangements for Reinhardt Fritz Kramer are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main, Brenham. To post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.