Please join us for a Memorial Service
Saturday, May 23, 3:00 pm
Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens
1150 Dickerson Road
Goodlettsville, TN 37072
Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens
1150 Dickerson Road
Goodlettsville, TN 37072
Thank you so much for all your condolences. Please post your thoughts and share any stories you may have about Lee for all to enjoy. Just click the "comment" link to type your message and view messages left by others. Lee was a person who loved a good laugh. What do you remember?
Lee was dedicated to education, and in lieu of flowers, we ask that your donations support one of these two education funds:
Loma Linda University School of Medicine
www.llusmaa.org/giving/alumni-
Andrews University
www.andrews.edu/services/
Please revisit this site as we will be posting photos more photos and memories. Thank you. ~Kramer Family
23 comments:
Doc Kramer and I - one conservative, one liberal - loved each other. He would always give me a hard time about not wearing a tie to church.
The pond in his back yard would freeze and off we would go with four wheelers and sleds. In the summer we would watch the birds that came to his many home-made bird feeders.
One night I remember Boss Hogg was in town with Mrs. Kramer’s sister and we all played charades, highlighted by Doc’s GREAT Laugh.
Doc loved taking pictures. He would send them to me to make calendars, which he shared with his friends. One year I sent the calendars to him in the Glossy Printer Photo Paper Box and he wouldn’t open it because he didn’t want to expose the ‘photo paper’ to light. I had to explain to him it was ok to open.
Doc would call the school to talk and if I wasn’t there he would tell them to just tell me the “Old Man” called. One day one of the students answered the phone and she told me my dad had called. Since my dad had been missing for years, I asked if she was sure. She stated that he said, ‘tell Alan the Old Man called”. We got a big laugh out of that and I explained that it was Doc Kramer.
In January of this year, Janie and I got to visit Doc with Todd and Mary Beth in CA. I will always treasure that last visit.
Thank You Janet, Mary Beth and Carol for sharing your dad.
Love and Prayers, Alan and Janie Craig
alancraig@comcast.net
My father, Max Shoup, was crazy about Dr. Kramer. Over the years the two of them often went birding, talked over the Sabbath School lesson, and somehow even worked together on my dad's storage shed (I think a ladder tipped and they both ended up on the floor, laughing.)
Years later when my dad was very ill and we made the decision to move my folks to be near us, Dr. Kramer made a point of stopping by to say good-bye. It was a rushed trip and hardly anyone knew my parents would be leaving Nashville for good, but Dr. Kramer did - and he made sure we knew that he cared.
- Laurie Shoup Herr
I remember a trip to his office during high school to have him remove a thorn from my palm. He didn't think it was as deep as I knew it was because I had already been searching for it, so he didn't use any local anesthesia while he was digging around in there. His nurse came to give me an injection in the same arm. I couldn't jump from his digging in my palm without making the injection worse, nor could I jump from the injection without making the palm situation worse. So I passed out! I came to with smelling salts and the sounds of some chuckles from Dr. Kramer and my Dad who had witnessed the event. That situation confirmed my aversion to needles that continues to this day. And I have told that story, which I find very humorous, to many folks when the discussion turns to needles!
Our prayers are with you,
Mel and Fay Iseminger
Dr. Kramer was my doctor when I had pneumonia in academy and he was terrific. I am glad he lived a long life. He will be missed.
Janet, Carol, and Mary Beth, I'm praying for you and family that God will surround you with His arms of comfort and give you strength. Love,
Sharon Webster Rogers
I only had the privilege of living in the Nashville area for about four years, but during that time I spent many Sabbath afternoons and other special times at the Kramer's home. I don't remember a lot of personal details about Dr. Kramer, but I know that their home was a place where I loved to be. I always felt very much at home and was always treated kindly.
The Kramer girls were some of my best friends and you're all in my prayers.
"Blessed [be] God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God." 2 Cor. 1:3,4
Love you all! Judy Mote Evenson
Doc Kramer loved to come to my office and talk. We often discussed theology, books, photography, flowers and birds.
He once educated me on his scope focusing on distant birds.
Every year he would come to church with a big smile and hand my family a packet of pecan nuts.
After a discussion on backgrounds for his flower pictures he brought me the background he had manufacted - complete with handle and all.
He was a friend and will be missed.
Pierre Steenberg.
My deepest condolences to the family of Dr. Kramer.
Dr. Kramer knew me before I knew him. In fact, he delivered me. Then when I was burned badly at 17 months, he was my doctor. For these reasons, he was always a larger than life character to me.
It was such a privilege to get to meet him and enjoy his sparkling wit over the last year. For the few times I saw him, he always had a jolly comment and a twinkle in his eye.
I look forward to seeing him in heaven one day, where I can get to know him. Good night, Dr. Kramer.
As a child I enjoyed going to his office because he always had books and toys in the lobby to play with while we waited.
The thing I remember most about Dr. Kramer is his laugh.
Everytime he walked into the exam room we were greeted with his wonderful laugh and positive attitude.
No matter how bad I felt I always felt better when I heard that laugh.
It had a very positive psychological effect. If my doctor could laugh like that, then surely things were not that bad.
Carol, Your dad was a great man that God used to help many people. He will be greatly missed but not forgotten. My prayers are with you and the family.
Love
Louise Hoover
When the Kramers lived in Cherryvale, Kansas, where my dad was the pastor, the two couples with small children would get together for socials, Sabbath meals, and Saturday night games.
Once, Mrs. Kramer decided to sell one of their living room chairs, a platform rocker, if I remember correctly. My parents bought it for the asking price: $3.
When they got it home, several weeks later while looking for something lost along the sides of the cushion, Mom found $3.64 in change, dropped from Dr. Kramer's pockets, which, more than paid for the chair! ha!
Our family connection with the Kramers through the years has been such a pleasant one. Dr. Kramer was a gem. I particularly enjoyed his sense of humor and upbeat approach to life.
I'll always remember him snoozing on the platform at church, recovering from early rounds at the hospital.
Pamela Maize Harris
Doc Kramer was one of the "constants" at Boulevard during the 5 years our family pastored there. His infectious laugh, his insatiable curiosity and intellect, his commitment to His Lord and any worthy cause will always be treasured and remembered.
As a Bible Worker in Nashville, I was getting more widely known in the area. "Doc" always hd something witty to say at just the right time that would keep my feet planted on the ground and my life in perspective. Now as a pastor, and reflecting on the impact of his life on mine, I have realized once again that men or women are not successful for what they build, but for the relationships they forge. His passing will only be for a few moments in time when we will be runited at the tree of life.
Our condolences to Janet, Mary Beth, Carol and families. Your dad and mother were so much a part of our early life here in Nashville.
My fondest memories of your dad was when I worked for him in his office here in Goodlettsville. His laugh was contageous and I knew I could always stop by his office for counsel or just a friendly hi! I so enjoyed working for him. He also "mended" Jeff several times when he was in an accident.
One thing I remember was when I was in the hospital (he was my doctor) and I was sleeping so good (finally) and he popped in about 5:00 one morning with the familiar booming voice - "Good morning, how are you?)waking up all in hearing distance!!!
He also would call at the ABC and ask for me (he claimed he got better service there when ordering that out in CA) and we would chat for quite some time going over the times at the office, etc. He will be greatly missed - a legend I would say.
Our prayers are with you all, Charles and Julie
Your father is an icon in my heart and mind. He and my dad were the best of friends in everything in life. It was "Lee and Hazel this and Lee said that or Lee and Hazel are going birdwatching and you know what they saw?!" Dear and precious friends that stuck together no matter what-real deep friends. I can remember being in your home before and after the addition. To this day it still is the "Kramer's home". Even now when we drive in the area I always think of your dad. The lake behind your home was a bird sanctuary-the perfect place for your dad to enjoy one of his passions. I loved his haircut! Both of our dads had the same kind for many years-two peas in a pod! I can still see him in church at the podium giving the anouncements or asking for the offering...I can hear his voice and remember his mannerisms. My mom LOVED going to his SS class. She would tell me all kinds of info he would share with the class. He shared with others his passion for God and blessed them. He certainly is the father of three awesome daughters who made him proud in all of their accomplishments- especially in music. The Kramer girls could play the flute like no one else.
Your loss is also mine, a generation that helped to mold me, make me, and guide me. Heaven cannot come soon enough for all of us to be back together.
Love and prayers,
Reggie and Faye
It was though Marybeth, my best friend in Hollister, that I met Doc. He treated me like I was just one more daughter. Just about every Sabbath he would bring me pictures that he had taken. Several weeks in a row they were the exact same pictures from the week before. He had such joy giving them to me, that I just thanked hime every week. One week at church I heard him mention to a very educated, intelligent person about some birds the migrate over Mount Everest. The person sniffed at that and teased Doc if they wore little oxygen masks? The person went home and looked up the fact and found that Doc was correct! The next Sabbath he admitted he had been wrong, and Doc just gave one of his big belly laughs.
His life was full of many accomplishments and will be a joy to meet in heaven one day.
...He always had a warm and ready smile. He was cheerful. Just these qualities were an encouragement when visiting with him. Jesus was to be seen in the twinkle of his eyes. It was the reminder to me of the Father's loving care -- showing through His servant, Lee Kramer.
At this tender time, it is well to send your family condolence, to lift you up, to come alongside. We'll see your Dad again. Our LORD has promised that.
Blessings,
Christy
We were very blessed to have Dr. Kramer and his wife as both clients and friends. They always made us smile and shared joyful antics with us. Truly we were blessed to know them.
We look forward to celebrating Dr. Kramer's life during Memorial Day weekend. Our love to his family in the loss of his physical presence. We are happy to know many wonderful memories will guide them thru this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Cleston Daniels and his staff*
Dr. Kramer was our family physician from the time I was a baby until he retired. He knew all our “dirt” and helped us with so many issues I can not begin to name them all. He stitched my head, my foot, my knee, the corner of my eye. He splinted my finger, my arm, my ankle. He discovered my allergy to penicillin, and took care of me when I found that I was allergic to insect stings. He removed splinters, ordered x-rays, and signed physical papers for summer camps. He treated us for everything from poison ivy to the Hong Kong Flu. He treated not only my parents, my 2 siblings and me. He treated my grandmother, my aunt, delivered her children, and eventually saw my then, boyfriend (now husband). The only time he made me mad was once when he came into the examination room, laughing that laugh and looking at my chart. He said, “SO, you’re getting fat?” Did I mention that he could sometimes be to the point? But, with that laugh, who could stay mad? I was thrilled that he and Mrs. Kramer attended my wedding. (Almost 25 years ago now!) I remember how back in the 60’s he'd go visit his family in Vermont, or maybe it was Maine... Upon return, he'd stop by our house and drop off a gift of the largest blueberries we had ever seen. The first time he did this, we mistook them for giant, perfect concord grapes. THAT is just how large they were. Mom thanked him for the grapes and he just laughed his head off. He had told her that they would make a great pie and Mom had never heard of a grape pie. Mrs. Kramer would get word that there was some Seventh Day Adventist food (vegetarian) that we were curious about from having tasted it at the old Madison Hospital and she'd send a pkg of the item via Dr. Kramer to my mother. There were many times when I would be sick as a child and Dr. Kramer would come to the house to tend to me. He had a little black bag from which he'd pull out his stethoscope and check my heart and breathing all the while laughing that laugh that was his and his alone. I can still hear that laugh. While at his office waiting in an examination room, you could hear him working his way down the hall with that laugh. It was consoling and no matter how bad you felt, he made it better just by his laughter and good spirit. When he’d call on our home phone, you would say “hello” and before he did the same, he’d laugh that HA HA laugh before doing so. I remember his love for birds (as was evidenced by all the lovely bird prints hanging in his office) and the many aquariums he kept for his patients to enjoy. After he retired, Dr. Kramer remained in touch with my parents. When we celebrated their 50th anniversary 10 years ago, he and Mrs. Kramer attended the party. When Mrs. Kramer died, he called my parents immediately and they went to his home to be with him. When he moved to CA, they all stayed in touch. He would send them calendars of his photos. They would send him funny cards. He was a very kind and fun loving man whose bright energy was always a comfort to be near. I'm very glad I knew him. I'm sure he's helping the angels now, probably helping them look over someone here on Earth. I bet he’s telling them about a beautiful bird he once photographed, or a baby he delivered. AND I’m sure he’s laughing that laugh. - Libby Leverett-Crew
My deepest sympathy to the family of Dr.Lee F. Kramer.
My name is Robin Writesman and I use to go to Dr. Kramer when I was a little kid.He was a great doctor who made sure his patients was taken care of. This is a great loss to our community in Goodlettsville. But he is in a better place now. My prayers are with the family in weeks and months to come.
With Deepest sympathy, Robin Writesman
Dr Kramer was my doctor growing up. I have 5 brothers and sisters and we visited his office often. One thing that I will never forget is I was very sick during the night, my mother called Dr Kramer at home and he met with us around 2 am at his office. He made me feel better. He also removed my tonsils. I loved him!
Losing someone special
Is a terrible thing to bear
It's the kind of shock for which
We simply never can prepare
One moment we are smiling
And the next is filled with tears.
And losing one we love does not
Get easier with years.
But please remember you have friends
To help ease your way
Who share your loss and care for you
Far more than words can say.
In 1968 he deleivered my son and my mother-in law died the same day and Dr Kramer was so nice to us. He made house calls to our home. We need more like him
Mary Price in Pleasant View Tn
Dr.Kramer,I will never forget you and your kindness and your really great laugh. I was a single mother of two,barely making it.I needed surgery and he was my doctor.He would not let me pay a penny.When his nurse told me this ,what a load was lifted.When I told her I didn't know anyone who did that,she simply said"Dr.Kramer does."
How long does it take to form a new friendship? With Lee & Hazel it took about two minutes. Their warm smiles and gracious hospitality welcomed us. They immediately invited us to their home for Sabbath lunch.
I do not have words to adequately express the gratitude and respect I have for your dear Father. Whenever I needed medical help for someone, all I had to do was call Dr. Kramer. Payment was never a consideration, just the need the person had. Dr. Kramer truly was a medical missionary.
One day a violent wind blew a tree over against my house. The next day Lee came by with his chain saw and said "let’s take care of that." Mind you this tree was about 16" in diameter. He promptly fell the tree along the side of my house and proceeded to cut it up, clean it up and carted it off in his truck and trailer. He was at least 65 years old, and he worked me so hard that day, I had to tell him "I need a break", he just laughed and kept on working.
He loved birds, and has taught me to do the same, one of my greatest treasurers is your mother's bird book which was given to me and I use to this very day.
I could go on and on but let me end with this, he is probably one of the best educated man I have ever met, one of the most loving doctors I have ever known, a truly gentle giant, made great because he was made in the image of Him who is the Father of us all. Thank you, Dear Lord for giving us Lee Kramer, transform us into giants for you.
Pastor Myron & Dr. Amy Johnson
I think my parents both knew him from his time in Berrien Springs, Michigan and the association with the Adventist Church. Dr Kramer took care of my mother as she was dying from cancer in 1981. He made trips to the house so she wouldn't have to travel and made frequent calls to check on her. I recognized him as a very intelligent and kind man who really cared about people. I remember he removed a BB from my dad's finger that had been there for over a year. My dad was uncomfortable around ordinary doctors, but Dr. Kramer won his trust with his humor, honesty, and kindness. I am so glad to have met him even in sad circumstances as my mom's hospice care. I can't wait to see him again in Heaven along with my folks!
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