John F. Kramer, 79, of Windsor Heights, Iowa, formerly of Salem, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home on Saturday, June 6, 2026.
Born on April 3, 1947, in Fort Madison, Iowa, John was the son of Maurice J. Kramer and Rosalene E. Vantiger Kramer. After graduating from Mount Pleasant High School, he proudly served in the United States Army for two years, including 17 months stationed in Korea. It was there that he met the love of his life, Sun Ok Pak. They were married on May 15, 1968, beginning a devoted partnership that spanned more than 58 years.
John and Sunny made their home in Salem, Iowa, where they also welcomed Sunny’s parents and siblings as they established their lives in the United States. John was known for his strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. Over the years, he worked for the railroad, Kramer’s 66 Service, International Harvester, Superior Cable, Mama’s Restaurant, and Aloha Golf. He also built and operated the Hillsboro Tap and founded Kramer’s Klubs, a custom golf club business that reflected his lifelong passion for the game.
In retirement, John found his greatest joy in spending time with his family. He especially cherished his grandchildren and treasured every opportunity to watch them grow. He enjoyed golfing, Tuesday bowling with “the boys,” trying his luck on the one-armed bandits, and sharing his daily 4 o’clock Black Velvet. A man of few words, John was a devoted husband, proud father, and beloved grandfather whose quiet kindness, steady presence, and unwavering loyalty left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
John is survived by his loving wife: Sun Ok “Sunny” Kramer; his four sons: Jeremy (Amiko) Kramer of Urbandale, Iowa, Jamie Kramer of Phoenix, Arizona, Josh (Jeni) Kramer of Windsor Heights, Iowa, and Jeff (Emily) Kramer of Windsor Heights, Iowa; and his cherished grandchildren: Macey (Hunter), Luke, Olivia, Jonathan, and Kennedy.
He is also survived by six brothers: Tom (Rose) Kramer of Mankato, Minnesota; Donald (Colleen) Kramer, Tony (Connie) Kramer, and Charles (Teresa) Kramer, all of Salem, Iowa; Gerald (Sherry) Kramer of Double Oak, Texas; and Robert Kramer of Mount Pleasant, Iowa. He is survived by four sisters: Janet Graber of Donnellson, Iowa; Linda Kramer of Salem, Iowa; Mary (Lyle) Waters of West Branch, Iowa; and Annette (Marty) Hoyer of West Burlington, Iowa.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother: Ronald Kramer; sister-in-law: Okie Pak; brother-in-law: Jerry Graber; nephew: Justin Park; nephew: Joseph Kramer; and niece: Suzanna Kramer.
Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, June 12, 2026, at Schmitz Funeral Home in West Point, Iowa.
Funeral services will begin at 1:30 p.m. at Schmitz Funeral Home, with Father Dan Dorau officiating. Burial will follow at Salem East Cemetery.
A memorial has been established for Salem East Cemetery.
Family and friends are invited to gather for food and refreshments immediately following the burial at the Salem Community Center and the B4 Bar.
John’s legacy lives on in the family he loved, the friends he cherished, and the countless lives he touched through his quiet strength, generosity, and unwavering devotion. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.
Schmitz Funeral Home of West Point is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.