My deepest sympathies for the Kramer family. Mr. Kramer taught me drivers Ed and was always so patient, and kind. He always knew how to bring a smile to your face. He will be greatly missed. The Xavier community has lost a very important person. God bless the Kramer family in this time of sadness.
Christina Chalhoub
September 11, 2016
Mary and Joe: I am sorry for the loss of your dad. As so many have said in the condolences on this site he was a loving gentle soul. I remember when I moved to Staub Court and you became my new friend Mary. I have so many fond memories of your mom and dad and how kind they always were to me. You are in my thoughts at this difficult time but I am sure you know that your father was one of a kind and a man anyone would be proud to know.
Cindy Frese
P.S.---He would be proud to know that I have never caused one car accident in my 53 years thanks to all he taught me in driver's ed!
Cindy Frese
September 10, 2016
Mary and Joe;
As I was traveling on the west coast this week I was very saddened to get the calls from my friends about your Dad's passing. Your Dad was THE Dad in the neighborhood growing up. Every night we would pester him about coming down to the backyard and be the kickball pitcher, and every night he would. His only rule: Joey is never out! He was a huge part of my life growing up and a huge part of so many other kids lives from being a great coach and teacher! He and your mom are now looking down on us from heaven! We will miss him for sure!
Rick Steepleton
September 10, 2016
The keen but benign sense of humor that waited quietly, just under the surface of his gentle demeanor, would occasionally cause his eyes to sparkle a bit brighter at the moment he was about to share a funny comment - or, when he saw something that prompted an amusing thought that he chose to keep to himself. Either way, his smile just made people feel better.
He was a teacher, yes, but he also studied a lot; he studied people - how they moved, and what they said - looking for any indication of distress, because he truly cared about the well-being of those around him.
There were a few times when fellow students and I thought maybe he wasn't quite focused on what we were up to, but by my senior year I had learned that he was choosing what to notice and what to let go - skillfully balancing his role as a mentor with the need to let kids be kids. That kind of wisdom comes from empathy and experience, and he had a lot of both.
Mr. Kramer's passing is a great loss for the Regis/Xavier community, and I hope he knew, and his family knows, how much we all appreciated knowing him.
Dan Kane
September 9, 2016
Dear Kramers, Condolences for your loss. When you think of Regis High School, two names epitomize the school - Breitbach and Kramer. They made Regis a great experience for so many students and their families. Mick's life was a life well spent. And we are all better for it. Thank you Mr. Kramer.
Dave Verhille and Family
September 9, 2016
Many great memories of Mr. Kramer, as a Regis 79 Grad. Many of us have been sharing our memories and stories of Mr. Kramer as a coach and a teacher on line. The one theme that always comes through was that he was passionate and he "cared" .
Patrick Rogers
September 9, 2016
What a wonderful person to have in our lives.
Rick Blackwell
September 9, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the Kramer families. Our sons attended Regis HS and our family had many opportunities to interact with Justin. His heart was always with students and families; his spirit will be missed in the halls of Xavier and on the fields of competition...also, along the highways and byways of the driver's ed routes! He was one brave man!
May you be comforted through the hours, days, months, and years ahead knowing how many lives he touched...a little bit of him is in each. May God bless you and keep you all.
Dave & Mary Lou Erlacher and family
September 8, 2016
Mick and I had many great times. We will miss him.
John Meyer
September 8, 2016
Saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Kramer. As a fellow educator, I am so impressed with his dedication to his students over the many years, as a counselor I remember meeting with him as a freshmen and him being so encouraging. As one of his many Driver's Ed students, the thing that I remembered the most was how much he cared for all of us. I still remember him expressing that if we ever needed a ride or found ourselves in a bad situation because of potential poor choices made, to call him and not risk driving. I never had to take him up on that, but I don't doubt that he would have been there if called on. He truly was a special person.
Melissa Harmeyer
September 8, 2016
Dear Kramer Family. My heartfelt condolences. I knew Mr. Kramer (as I will always remember him) as guidance counselor and Driver's Ed Teacher. He was a great teacher and person. My friends who were involved in sports have some great memories of his spontaneous comments from the bench during basketball games. I didn't have the opportunity to take Latin (Regis dropped the class just before I enrolled) but I wish Mr. Kramer, requiesce in pace, et perpetua luceat ei
Chris Riley, Regis class of 1979
Chris Riley
September 8, 2016
My heartfelt sympathy is with the Kramer family. I was the 6th of 7 Ames kids and I believe we all knew Mr Kramer, had him as a teacher or counselor. He was well-liked by all of us, always found him to be fair and miraculously kept his sense of humor in some pretty trying situations. Joe was in my class at Regis and I see him often at Hiawatha Elementary where my daughter attends school now. Joe reminds me considerably of his dad and that is quite a compliment. God bless the Kramer family.
Joel Ames
September 8, 2016
Mary Beth, Joe, and families,
Mary and I regret we are unable to be with you these next few days since hearing about the loss of your Dad. Our hearts and prayers have been with you and will continue to be in the days ahead. In working with Justin over so many years, my favorite memory will always be the impromptu meetings we shared in the halls at Xavier, solving in our discussions together all the current smaller and larger crises of the day. Rest in Peace Mick.
Gaylord and Mary Hauschildt
September 8, 2016
Mary, Joe, and families - Your dad, Mick, was truly the kindest and gentlest of souls I've ever had the privilege of meeting. In my very first year of teaching and coaching at Regis, I was able to really get to know his passion for golf. Mary would finish her practice round with the team and would then go out with her dad to play another 9 before the sun would set. Over the years, he would always make a point to stop me in the hallway and ask how the girls on the golf team were doing. He didn't ask the scores, for he already knew them. He wanted to truly know how they were and how they felt about their rounds. As a colleague for 37 years, Mick was a dear friend that you could talk to about anything and he made the time to listen. I miss him already in the halls of Xavier, and although I know I will not see him again, I know he will still walk beside me in those hallowed halls where he lived out his lifes' passion of teaching. God Bless your families in this challenging time and take comfort in knowing how many lives he affected in such a positive manner! May he rest in peace as he is reunited with your mom.
Julie Kadlec
September 7, 2016
I echo the sentiments already presented, my sincere condolences to the family. I interfaced with Mr. Kramer in basketball, drivers-ed (my mind boggles with the thought of the total number of students he taught DE to, and yes, what a brave man!), guidance counselor (agreed that ISU was a good eng. school), study-hall supervisor - he was always very nice to me. Only good memories, he's in a better place now, probably driving golf balls 340+ yds as I type. Regis, '87.
Shawn Day
September 7, 2016
I never had Mr. Kramer as a teacher. I know his students loved him in the classroom. He was great to work with on the basketball team though--he brought such unconventional approaches that really made a memorable experience--Carole Harder and Pachelbel's Canon, and video's with Denis Waitley! Many blessings on the family--especially the grandkids, I bet he was the best grandpa! Regis '85
Dave Usher
September 7, 2016
Mr. Kramer was always so encouraging and kind. I don't know a lot of teachers who would teach Drivers Ed for so long - he was a great teacher and so patient with all of us. May God bless your family!
Rosy Martinez-White
September 7, 2016
I echo the sentiments already presented, my sincere condolences to the family. I interfaced with Mr. Kramer in basketball, drivers-ed (my mind boggles with the thought of the total number of students he taught DE to, and yes, what a brave man!), guidance counselor (agreed that ISU was a good eng. school), study-hall supervisor - he was always very nice to me. Only good memories, he's in a better place now, probably driving golf balls 340+ yds as I type. Regis, '87.
Shawn Day
September 7, 2016
Everyone has said it so well, what a great man Justin was and just think of all the students he taught and helped become men and women of our society! He assisted us with our son and grandson giving us guidance as needed. Mick will be truly missed by all. Our condolences to his family.
Dennis & Linda Norton
September 7, 2016
Very sorry to hear about Mr. Kramer passing away. He taught five of our children and two of our grandchildren. He was a true gentleman and a very good Christian. He will be dearly missed by all.
Marge and Joe Gase
September 6, 2016
Coach Kramer was a great man, always so positive and upbeat! I was blessed to have his calming influence teach me some great life skills as a high school junior and senior at Regis. He was a "forward thinker" and showed us some innovative motivational and relaxation tools including Dr. Denis Waitley's "Psychology of Winning". As teenagers, listening to "baroque" music and thinking positive thoughts took a while to grasp, but I am sure it made us all more patient and thoughtful! My thoughts are with his family ... what a great legacy he has left that you can all treasure!
John Lawrence
September 6, 2016
My condolences. For drivers ed, he took us students out on the highway (to Iowa City?) and required that we pass a vehicle ahead of us. When it came to be my turn, it was an 18 wheeler, and I was never so scared in all of my life. Thanks, Mick, for your gracious guiding hand. Credenti omnia convertuntur in bonum.
Christopher Strathman
September 6, 2016
Kramer family, people love my story of Mr Kramer teaching me Drivers Ed at Regis and then teaching my son at Xavier. Great man. Sympathies to all.
Shelley and Conner Dorrance
September 6, 2016
Mr. Kramer was such an amazing man who made his students feel special and inspired. He will be deeply missed at Xavier. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Lisa and Michael Coester
September 6, 2016
Deepest Sympathy, I remember you as a great person
Linda McNamara Earley
Linda McNamara Earley
September 6, 2016
Joe and family,
I'm so sorry to read of your dad's passing. I know how difficult this is. You are all in my thoughts.
Sue Anderson (Polk)
September 6, 2016
Shocking as we were just chatting with him at Xavier! Each one of our children has fond memories! Chris talks about drivers Ed going to Iowa City with him! (Special occasions)
Last year at HC mass at Xavier the Celebrant referred to himself as " older than dirt" I turned to Mr Cramer asking him "if Father thinks he is older than dirt what does that make us?" Cannot imagine halls of Xavier without running into him!
Our children are all so deeply saddened hearing this news this morning ! We are saddened not to be in town to celebrate this great life ! Our thoughts and prayers are with you !
Sally and Gene Kopecky
September 6, 2016
Mr. Kramer always had a smile on his face. He was a kind man, a great teacher, and a wonderful role model in the halls of Xavier High School.
You will be missed, but never forgotten.
Cassandra Chalhoub
Xavier '09
Cassandra Chalhoub
September 6, 2016
A gentle soul who devoted his life to the communities of Regis and Xavier. He was as genuine as they come and truly loved every one of his students. There is no doubt in my mind he is in heaven with Dee. Thank you Coach Kramer, for being such a wonderful man.
Chris and Erica McCarville
September 6, 2016
Truly a great kind man. Always bright and warm for all the kids in his life. Thanks for being an important part of ours.
Bob Looney (Regis 91)
Bob Looney
September 6, 2016
So sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Kramer. As a Regis alum I remember him very well. All of the Regis-Xavier family will miss him and his positive outlook of educating students. To his children and family members remember all the memorable times with your dad and grandfather. There is another angel shining down on all of you from Heaven. May you be blessed in knowing he was an admirable man. Hugs to all as you fondly remember Mr. Kramer.
Debbie Tow Colozza
September 6, 2016
Mr. Kramer was so very kind and caring --- he truly lived his faith. We can learn so much from his life. My prayers and my
heart are with his family. God bless.
Carol Olson
September 6, 2016
There was never a kinder, gentler soul than Justin. Not only was his glass always half full, it was always overflowing with love, joy and positive thoughts and words for everyone. He was a strong Christian man filled with the Holy Spirit. May he rest in peace.
Jeff Henderson
September 6, 2016
Heaven just received a GREAT person. My thoughts and prayers to the entire Kramer family! Mr. Kramer always had the most positive things to say about any situation and individual. We often joked, he was so happy I was studying Latin and I joked with him that it was because I got out of having to take math. As my Driver's Ed instructor, Counselor, Latin Teacher and Basketball Coach Mr. Kramer was such a positive influence in my life! Cupidum Memorias! Regis 1986
Dan Wilcox
September 6, 2016
Within his family, amongst his students and throughout the heart of our Catholic community...esto perpetua!
Mr. Kramer's heart is mended in being together again with his dear, departed wife. But Mr. Kramer's heart was full in reveling in his grandchildren, relationships both future and past and in the quiet consideration for others (along with a fair dose of merriment from his humor).
Helping others with footsteps, oh what a footprint he made.
May all the angels and Saints, holy men and holy women gather him into the Grace of God's eternal embrace. Esto perpetua.
Jeff & Kathy Thorsteinson
September 6, 2016
Mr. Kramer's passing represents a huge loss to our society, though his family and friends can take consolation that he rests now in Heaven. I was not privileged to be a formal student of his at Regis High School. More importantly, Justin Kramer lived on Lee Street near my home, and he supervised many, many neighborhood kickball games that kept my friends and myself out of mischief growing up. Rest in peace, kind sir.
Kevin Wymore
September 6, 2016
I am saddened to hear of the loss of Mr Kramer. I have such fond memories of him from my days at Regis. He was truly someone that I still remember from my high school days and that I still think of that made a positive impact on my life. He was my guidance counselor, Latin teacher, and drivers ed teacher. I still tell everyone that I owe my great parallel parking skills to Mr. Kramer! He was always the most encouraging teacher and he was so smart. Latin was a hard language to learn and he was always so encouraging. No matter how much you didn't understand something, he would make you feel like you were the smartest kid on the planet. When I was making the college decision on where to go, I remember him sorting that out with me and making things so clear. He truly loved what he did, he cared about his students, and he was awesome at it. May he rest in peace and my condolences to his family. Regis class of 1992.
Sarah Seibert Hawley
September 5, 2016
My thoughts to Mr. Kramer's family. His influence on my life was beyond impactful. Thank you for sharing such an amazing and thoughtful mentor with all of his students. His grace and insight were truly a gift that continues to enrich those that were fortunate to have learned from him.
Benedicamus Deus, Mr. Kramer
Matt Sterenchuk
September 5, 2016
My thoughts and prayers at this difficult time in your family. I moved away from Cedar Rapids but always remember Mr. Kramer fondly. I would laugh and look forward to how he would choose to spell my name on necessary notes (ie. Shila, Sherry, or Sh...squiggle) and still to this day say "Left if you're able" while giving directions around one-way streets. He always had a kindness and patience in teaching which was astounding to think of now considering how many teens he taught over the years. May you have blessed memories to carry you through these difficult times now. --Sheilah, Regis '95
Sheilah Looney
September 5, 2016
I, too, am in disbelief. Mr. Kramer was likely one of the most patient men I will ever encounter. Who teaches Driver's Ed without it? I will never forget how wonderfully positive and patient he was, regardless of the situation or what he even had heard before you had a chance to visit with him. He always listened and he always listened with a nonjudgmental ear. I will be sending positive, warm thoughts and prayers from Colorado during this very difficult time.
Sarah Aller
September 5, 2016
Mary, we are so sad to hear about your father. I don't have a West High golf memory that doesn't include him. We are keeping you and your entire family in our prayers. I know you have many wonderful memories to hold in your hearts. We wish you peace.
Paul and Teddie Federici
September 5, 2016
Mary and Joey, on behalf of my father, Jerry, and all of my siblings, we offer our condolences. No greater evenings were spent than in our backyard playing kickball with all of the neighborhood kids, including yourselves, where your precious father was always the referee and peace keeper. It was a time where there were no after school sports for anyone twelve or younger. A time when the summers went on forever. He was a great man, a great husband, a great father, a great teacher and a wonderful neighbor. Our sincere condolences...The Steepleton family - Theresa, Rick, Marty, David, Brenda and Carol.
Carol Steepleton Steingreaber
September 5, 2016
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Mr. Kramer's death. He was a good man with high morals and a strong desire to help kids. He will be missed. We are consoled to know he now rests in peace with our Heavenly Father. May God grant his family comfort and peace.
Don and Fran Hatfield
September 5, 2016
I am in such disbelief I don't know where to begin- some people make such an impact as Mr. Kramer has on me that you think they will always be there- so my prayers and thoughts are with you Joe and Mary and kids. I had the great fortune to have Mr. Kramer as my parents, aunts and uncles did before me at Regis and now younger cousins did at Xavier- he literally was in my life at a critical time and gave me the self esteem to make varsity golf as a freshman never really playing before, hurdle learning disabilities and tell me these were never going to be the factor to hold me back and give me self esteem in general to succeed as a teen. He gave me the passion and desire to learn and made it fun in Latin and was such a fun drivers ed instructor. He devoted his life to school and the kids that were there as a counselor and made lasting impact on each and every one of us. I was lucky enough to have a 24 year relationship with him that went from counselor, mentor, teacher, coach, to friend and have been in contact with him since I was out of high school and went on to take Latin at Loras. We just had our 20th reunion and it was fun catching up with him he had the memory of an elephant and was such a brilliant man! As the community loses an irreplaceable coach, counselor, instructor, friend and family member- heaven has gained the best BEST guardian angel I could ever think of any of us having- Forever in thought the cherished memories and in debt I will be Mr. Kramer- Taryn O'Toole (Regis 1996)
Taryn O'Toole-Mohr
September 5, 2016
I was lucky enough to Know Coach Kramer .....as an opposing golf coach at BECKMAN High School....he was always a class act....later now retired I would see him at Iowa events or HyVee.....always a smile and some good conversation....So sorry to hear this news...my condolences to the Kramer family....God bless and may he find eternal peace. I will miss a fellow Hawkeye and New Yankee fan.....Rick Laue
RICK Laue
September 5, 2016
To the family of Mr. Kramer,
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers now and in the days to come. I will always remember Mr. Kramer as a kind teacher and friendly neighbor to my family on Staub Court. I am so sorry for your loss. Regis Class of 1993.
Gail Rochford Johnson
September 5, 2016
So sorry to hear this. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Hoping that your good memories will bring you much comfort.
Margie Jenkins
September 5, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with the Kramer family over the days to come. Mr. Kramer was always to friendly and kind and generous to me and to our family. What a caring angel we have gained in heaven.
Carly Phelan Reidy
September 5, 2016
I'm so very sorry for your loss, Joe; and all of the Kramer family. May your many fond memories bring you some comfort in the days to come! Prayers, thoughts and hugs are sent your way!!
Tammy Rundall
September 5, 2016
My thoughts and prayers to the Kramer family during their time of loss. Mr. Kramer was a kind a gentle soul. He did a lot to help me get through high school as I'm sure he did many others! He will be missed and remembered fondly. Thoughts and prayers for a truly wonderful man. Xavier '05
Austin Burchers
September 5, 2016
Thoughts and prayers to all of Mr kramers family. He was a wonderful and patient soul , especially when teaching drivers Ed. I remember one time he was umping z game and me and another person needed some driving time so we drove him and got to see another side of him that most outside of school didn't. Enjoyed that day and the time spent with him.
Regis '81
Laura gregorich
September 5, 2016
Many thoughts and prayers to the Kramer family. Mr. Kramer was an amazing teacher. He taught myself and my 2 siblings drivers ed. I remember the first time I met him at Regis, he was my guidance counselor. He truly will be missed.
Kellie Spahn
September 5, 2016
My deepest sympathies go out to the Kramer family. May God give you the peace that you seek. Mr Kramer taught me drivers Ed at Xavier it was so much fun he would stop and get us treats at the gas station! He was always in good spirits! Mr Kramer will be greatly missed~
Cerenna Chalhoub
September 5, 2016
Joe and Mary (and families),
I am so very sorry about the passing of your dad. I have only great memories of him and recall all the laughs we shared when golfing together so many years ago. Such a salt-of-the-earth man who touched so many lives. Blessings and peace to you.
Liz Weiland Efting
September 5, 2016
To the Kramer family; I was deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Mr. Kramer. Not only was he one of my instructors at Regis, he also instructed my daughter at Xavier. He was a kind and patient man. I don't know how he ever handled getting all of us through driver's ed. What a brave soul! Mr. Kramer will be missed by generations of students. My condolences to the family. Requiesce in pace Mr. Kramer.
Amy J Salmon
September 5, 2016
Justin was one of my favorite coworkers over the years. His quiet and calm peaceful wit, caring and charm was truly genuine. He was a living example of his faith and had deep caring and compassion for all people. He was a pleasure to play golf with and loved to be competitive but in a very "sly" way. I loved his dry humor and his willingness to be a true friend. We shared many jokes supervising the lunch room and best of all shared a genuine camaraderie and friendship. Last Christmastime we shared a drink and caught up on old times. He will be truly missed. My prayers and condolences to the family. Mick was genuinely loved !
Rev. Steven O'Brien
September 5, 2016