Fred Eldon Kramer, 97, of Mt. Carmel, Illinois passed away at home on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Fred was born in DeKalb, Illinois on July 9, 1927, to John Everett Kramer and Elsie May (Pope) Kramer. Fred’s younger years were spent around Bone Gap and Mt. Carmel, Illinois until he was drafted to the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. After discharge, he attended auto body and welding school in Nashville, Tennessee on the G.I. Bill. Fred then worked at Carlton Motors and Schalk Body Shop in Mt. Carmel before opening K & F Body Shop, which he owned and operated from 1967 to 1999.
On October 9, 1954, he was united in marriage to Dorothy Montgomery in West Salem, Illinois. Fred and Dorothy celebrated their 70th anniversary in October 2024. Fred and Dorothy had six children, son Ed (Sandy) Kramer of Damiansville, Illinois, daughter Angie (Jeff) Hirsch of Frankfort, Indiana, son Ted (Leslie) Kramer of Mt. Carmel, daughter Gloria (Tony) Kieffer of Mt. Carmel, son John (Shannon) Kramer of Mt. Carmel, and daughter Jaleigh (Dan) Peterson of Mt. Carmel. Fred had 14 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Edith Anthis and Patricia Owens; and brothers Lloyd Kramer, John Kramer, and Orville Kramer; and one infant brother. Fred was also preceded in death by his granddaughter Amy Kramer.
Fred enjoyed fishing on the Wabash River, gardening, and raising purebred Hereford cattle with his grandsons.
No formal visitation will be held. Graveside services will be held Monday, March 10, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Highland Memorial Cemetery in Mt. Carmel.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Carmel VFW Post 4276. Donation envelopes will be available at the cemetery or can be sent to Short-Cunningham Funeral Home, P.O. Box 397, Mt. Carmel, IL 62863
Condolences may be sent online at www.short-cunninghamfh.com
Short-Cunningham Funeral Home is honored to serve the Kramer family
