Joan Doris Kramer

On February 26, 2023, age 92, Joan Doris Kramer joined her Heavenly Father, family members, and many friends to rejoice in her homecoming.

Joan was an only child.  Her parents, Albert and Myrtle Scoles, welcomed her on January 14, 1931 in Baker, Montana.  Joan was 5 when the family moved to Idaho in 1936.  Joan lived in Aberdeen for most of her life moving to American Falls for the last few years.

Joan attended and graduated school in Aberdeen in 1949!  During her years in school, she was involved in many activities including music where she played a variety of instruments. After graduation she attended nursing school.  She met and married Fred Reed in 1949 and a year later they started their family, a grand total of 9 children.  In October of 1961 Fred died in a blizzard while hunting in Rockland.

Joan met and married Ed Kramer in March of 1965.  They continued to raise the children together. Through the years they traveled, went camping, and attended many sporting events and activities that their children and grandchildren were involved in.  In July of 1991 Ed passed away. 

Joan continued to work, spending time with her family and friends.  After retiring from the Cardinal Market, she worked for several years at the Aberdeen Senior Citizen Center.

Joan enjoyed numerous summers helping at the Mennonite church camp and attending the Women's Retreat.  She was a member of Kings Daughters at the Mennonite Church.

Joan loved crocheting, knitting, embroidering, and quilting; making numerous items for family, friends, and to donate for fundraising at the Aberdeen Senior Citizen Center.  She quilted once a week for several years at the Mennonite Church helping to finish quilts for the MCC sales before and after moving to American Falls.  She was an avid reader, enjoyed crossword puzzles, and playing cards.  She spent many years bowling, often bringing home a trophy or bragging rights.  She went fishing every chance she got.  She loved to golf and was sad to give it up but continued to watch golf, baseball, and football on television.

Joan is survived by 7 children: Irene Beach, Pat Wasia (Ron), Mike (Hanni), Marcia Call (Mark), Cecil (Debbie), Jim (Marla), and Mark; 3 daughters-in-law, Tracy, Jolyn, and Mickey; sister-in-law Jean Stephan; 2 stepsister, Denise and Jackie; 26 grandchildren; 63+1 great-grandchildren; 19+1 great-great-grandchildren; 3 nephews, and 1 niece.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, Fred and Ed, 2 sons, Alan and Chris, daughter-in-law Debi, brother-in-law Bill Stephan, 2 stepbrothers, and 2 stepsisters.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 8, 2023, 10:00 a.m. at the Mennonite Church, 382 Nth West, Aberdeen, Idaho.  Interment will follow the services at the Aberdeen Cemetery.  Lunch will follow in the Fellowship Hall attached to the Mennonite Church where the family will visit with everyone.

In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the Mennonite Church Camp fund, 382 North East Washington, Aberdeen, Idaho 83210, or to the Pink Ladies at Harms Memorial Hospital, 502 Tyhee Ave. American Falls, Idaho 83211, or to the Aberdeen Senior Citizen Center, 92 West Washington Ave. Aberdeen, Idaho 83210.

Mom's humor, wit, and the ability to make friends will be missed by her family and friends.

The family would like to thank the staff and volunteers at the Harms Extended Care for their kindness, caring, and their love for Mom.  Their kindness to her family and friends when visiting was amazing. Thank you!!!