Martha Kramer

Martha M. Kramer passed away Sunday, October 2, 2016, at the home of Allen and Sherry Kramer, where she had been living since July.

Martha was born to William Weber and Rachel Weber (Beasley) on December 24, 1919, near Colfax, Washington. She was raised in Colfax, Washington and Wallace, Idaho. She graduated from Wallace High School in 1937, as Valedictorian of her class. She then went to the Northwest Institute of Medical Technology, Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she studied to become a radiology and laboratory technician.

This was followed by working at St. John's Hospital in Jackson, Wyoming, for 2.5 years. At that time, she was accepted into Sacred Heart School of Nursing, Spokane, Washington, graduating in 1944.

During World War II, Martha's intent was to join the Women's Army Corps. She had received her orders to report for duty in Los Angeles where she met William Kramer, who was serving in the US Navy. They immediately fell in love, she left the WAC and they were married, within a short time, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Los Angeles. When the war was over, they returned to Bill's hometown in De Soto, Iowa. Bill's work with the railroad relocated them to Melvin, Menlo and eventually Audubon, Iowa.

Martha worked, as a nurse, at the Dallas County hospital in Dexter. After moving to Melvin, she and Bill began a family. When Bill's work took them to Audubon and all the children were in school, Martha began working for the Audubon County Hospital as the lead Laboratory and Radiology Technician where she retired in 1974.

After retiring, she and Bill moved to her beloved mountains and the beauty of the Coeur d'Alene Lake in northern Idaho. For nearly 30 years they alternated living in Idaho and the Phoenix, Arizona, area.

Martha was a vivacious person and never seemed to believe in the concept of "sitting idle". During her working years she managed to raise her family of four, be the co-founder and President of the Iowa Chapter of the International Society of Clinical Laboratory Technicians, serve in many positions in the Audubon Eastern Star chapter, and spent many summer evenings swimming with her children.

She continued to remain active with the Eastern Star, serving in many capacities in Iowa, Idaho and Arizona. She traveled to Scotland and much of the Eastern U.S. with this organization. She worked in nursing homes and doctor's offices. She became a member of TOPS and was proud of reaching her KOPS status. A special thank you to Barb and Arnie Lamp for helping her to maintain this status, even though there may have been some rocks involved.

Martha always made the best of any situation and made friends easily. Her life and efforts impacted the lives of many and she will be missed by all of those she left behind as she soars on Angel's wings above the mountains of Idaho, the rolling hills of Iowa and all points beyond.

Martha was preceded in death by her husband, William; Sister, Hazel Belle Crosby; Daughter-in-law, Carol Kramer.

Survivors include: Brother, Michael (Mary) Cosner; Children, Rachel (Assad) Barari, Allen (Sherry) Kramer, John (Deb) Kramer, and Paula (Gordon) Luer. Grandchildren: Zhaleh and David (Molly) Barari, Jason, William, and Ryan (Anne) Kramer, Melanie (Aaron) Newton, Jennifer (Bryan) Reha, and Danielle Luer. Great-Grandchildren: Morgan and Zane Dausel, Jack and Hazel Kramer, Kane and Kenley Reha. Niece and Nephew: Rebecca and Joel Cosner.

A Celebration of Life Luncheon will be held from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Saturday, October 22, 2016, at the First United Methodist Church, 800 Poplar St., Atlantic, Iowa. Interment to follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Audubon, Iowa.

Memorials may be directed to UnityPoint at Home (hospice), 1408 E 10th Street, Atlantic, Iowa, or the charity of your choice.

Hockenberry Family Care in Atlantic, Iowa, is helping the family with arrangements.