Lynne Yvonne Kramer (née Wordell)
May 2, 1938 - September 28, 2019
Lynne was born in Youngstown, Ohio. She was an only child and was preceded in death by her sister, Diane, who died at birth, her late father, Grant Wordell in 1940 when she was just 2 years old and then was raised by her incredible late mother, Ruth Wendt Wordell until her death in 1994.
She grew up in Milwaukee and she and her mom spent many amazing summers with her Aunt Viola and her cousins, who were more like sisters, Margie (Swientek) and Lois (Walsh) Hoffman. Lynne graduated from Shorewood High School in 1956. After graduation, she moved to Madison, WI where she worked at the Lutheran Student Center, while she also took classes at UW-Madison. It was there she met the love of her life, David Kramer, who proposed on their second date. She finally said, “Yes!”, a month later and they were married on March 14, 1964.
Together they had 2 children.
Lynne was an adoring daughter, wife and mother but also, worked as a teacher’s aide for many years during their time in the Chicago area...one of many places she lived due to David’s job, at the time.
In 1982, Lynne and David moved their family back to Whitefish Bay, WI, where she was an active member of North Shore Presbyterian Church for 36 years, as both a Deacon and a member of the Chancel Choir. She also took a job as Executive Secretary and Assistant to the owner of Weight Watchers Wisconsin. During this time she received recognition for her talents in writing and artistry and was made the editor of Think Trim newspaper.
After this branch closed, she moved on to another adventure at a company called Beneplan where she eventually retired.
She made many close friends that became like family at both of these chapters in her life.
Lynne loved watching her children grow into adults and fully supported them in all of their endeavors through the years, including being a part of both their weddings.
She finally became a grandmother in 2006, first in April and then again in September. And in 2009, her third and final grandchild was born. These moments were the absolute highlights of her life, as she adored being a grandmother.
In 2014, Lynne and her amazing husband celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and then again in 2015, with a large family reunion here, in her beloved Milwaukee.
Lynne loved decorating for her elaborate holiday gatherings, going to plays, symphonies and art festivals...she loved celebrity gossip, awards shows, Friends and When Harry Met Sally...she adored her adventures and travels to Door County with her best friends, The Strike’s and her ventures to San Francisco and Sweden to visit her adoring children, awesome daughter in law and beautiful grandkids and of course, her day to day in her hometown of Milwaukee where she spent most of her life...but the things that were most important to her, were her family and friends, whom she doted on every single second.
In, 2009, after a life insurance physical, Lynne was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma/Amyloidosis. If it weren’t for this physical, she would not have survived the year, as there were no symptoms.
She fought hard battling this horrific disease for the last 10 years with 165 Chemo treatments, as well as dialysis 3 days a week for the past year and a half, until her death.
Lynne is survived by her beloved husband of 55 years, David Kramer, her son, Jon Kramer, her daughter, Annie Kramer, her daughter in law, Birgitta Wallroth Kramer, her grandchildren, Bode (Ryan) Janusiewicz, Tilda Kramer, Viggo Kramer, her best friends, Don and Linda Strike, her cousin, Al Swientek and is further survived by her brothers & sisters in law, Gerald & Marion Kramer, Earl Kramer & Mary Sommermeyer, Evelyn & John Yungerberg, Barbara Kramer & Marty Erickson, Carol Kramer, 12 nieces and nephews, many cousins and many other dear friends.
A memorial service will be held Saturday October 12, 2019, 10am at North Shore Presbyterian Church
4048 N Bartlett Ave
Shorewood, WI 53211
Luncheon to follow immediately after the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial fund donations to the family are appreciated.