Edgar R. "Ed" Kramer Obituary (1915

Mr. Edgar R. "Ed" Kramer, age 90, of 2422 North K. Road, Madison, Indiana entered this life on Sept. 30, 1915, in Madison, Indiana, the son of Peter & Clara Ryker Kramer, both of whom preceded him in death. He was raised in Jefferson County and was a 1933 graduate of Central High School on Ryker' Ridge. He was inducted into the United States Navy on September 30, 1942, on his 27th birthday, in Indianapolis, Indiana, during World War II. He rose to the rank of second class petty officer, serving aboard a submarine, and after qualifying for this specialized service went to submarine school in New London, Connecticut for six weeks, after training he was assigned to the Pacific Field of duty and was sent to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. His first submarine was the USS Gudgeon SS -211, it was the first submarine to sink another submarine. His sub covered from Fremantle, Australia to Pearl Harbor and around the Philippine Islands. Edgar also served on the USS APOGON SS-211 Sub in the Philippines & Formosa. He served also on the USS Dermit & the USS Tambor. Edgar was honorably discharged on December 15, 1945, at Great Lakes, Illinois, receiving the Good Conduct Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Fleet Medal, the Submarine Combat Pin With 3 Stars & the World War II Victory Medal. After the war the Philippine government awarded him and those who served on the Gudgeon their Country's Presidential Unit Citation. He was united in marriage on June 23, 1951, in Lebanon, Indiana, to Ruth Cooper, to this union arrived one son & three daughter's to bless their home. Before the war, Ed had worked as a farmer and at the Old Joyce Shoe Factory in Madison working in the sewing department. He later worked for the E.I. Dupont Denemours Company in Charlestown at the Ammunition Plant, helping to produce gun powder for the war. After the war he began a career in security police first at the Jefferson Proving Ground in Madison working there for many years until it closed, he then transferred to Ft. Benjamin Harrison in Indianapolis and continued in the same position retiring on May 22, 1981, after 30 years of civil service receiving a special plaque and award from the Federal Government for his service to the U.S. Army Finance & Accounting Center at Ft. Benjamin Harrison. After his transfer to Ft. Benjamin Harrison he and Ruth moved to Indianapolis residing there until retirement. He then moved back to the family farm on Ryker's Ridge and continued his love of farming and gardening. He was a faithful member of the Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Madison. He was a life member of the U.S. Submarine Veterans of WWII Chapter 500, the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 55-serving as the treasurer, Jefferson Post 9 of the American Legion & the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1969; the Fraternal Order of Police "Stacks of Power Lodge"; National Arbor Society; Indiana Farm Bureau and the Jefferson County Farm Bureau; He served as a board member of the Ryker's Ridge Water Company and on the Ryker's Ridge Cemetery Board. Edgar received from the Disabled American Veterans their "Meritorious Occupation Achievement" Plaque & citation, presented by the Department of Indiana; He was awarded by Chapter 55 of the DAV for dedicated service as the Outstanding Disabled Veteran of the Year Award on Nov. 16, 1985. Ed was a very patriotic citizen and gave much of himself in serving his country and he was an avid historian and story teller. He will be sadly missed. Edgar died Monday April 17, 2006 at 2:am at the Meadow View Health & Rehab Center in Salem, Indiana. A LOVING FAMILY Mr. Kramer will be missed by his wife: Ruth C. Cooper Kramer of Madison, Indiana; his son & daughter-in-law: Michael Joseph Kramer & his wife: Barbara of Ligonier, Indiana; his daughters: Joy Ann Kramer of Indianapolis, Indiana & Lisa K. Kramer of Madison, Indiana; his grandchildren: Michael Joseph Kramer, Jr., Jennifer Marie Kramer, & Laura Ann Kramer; several nieces, nephews & other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents: Peter & Clara Ryker Kramer; his daughter: Kelley Kramer died in Nov. 1985; his brother: Willis Kramer; his sisters: Clara Adkins died in Jan. 2001; & Florence Kramer died: Sept. 2002 . FUNERAL CEREMONY Funeral services will be conducted Friday, April 21, 2006 at 11:00 am, by Rev. John A. Meyer, at the Morgan & Nay Funeral Centre, 325 Demaree Drive, Madison, Indiana. Interment will follow in the Springdale Cemetery, Madison, Indiana, full military honors will be conducted at the graveside by Jefferson Post 9 of the American Legion & The U.S. Navy Ceremonial Unit. VISITATION Friends may call Thursday from 4-8 pm & Friday from 9am until time of the service at the Morgan & Nay Funeral Centre 325 Demaree Drive Madison, Indiana. US SUBMARINE VETERANS CHAPTER 500 SERVICE Chapter 500 of the US Submarine Veterans of WW II will conduct memorial services in honor of Edgar on Thursday, at 5:30 pm at the funeral home. ROSARY SERVICE The rosary will be recited on Thursday at 6:30 pm at the funeral home, led by Rev. John A. Meyer MEMORIAL EXPRESSIONS Memorial contributions may be made to Friends of Shawe & Pope John. Cards are available at the funeral home. To send a flower arrangement in memory of Edgar R. "Ed" Kramer, please click here to visit our sympathy store.