Arnold ''Arnie'' Kramer

Arnold "Arnie" Kramer, 66, 314 First Street, Marathon, died April 19, 2002, under the care of Comfort Care and Hospice Services at Community Health Care Wausau Hospital, after a long and courageous battle with Multiple Sclerosis. Arnie was born June 21, 1935, in Marshfield, son of the late Martin and Theresa (Shirek) Kramer. He married Margaret Leonhard, May 26, 1962, at St. Wendel Catholic Church in Cleveland, Wisconsin. She survives. Arnie was employed with the Kohler Company, a plumbing supply manufacturer. He graduated from Stratford High School in 1953 and served in the Army Reserves from 1953 - 1955, later enlisting in the U.S. Army until his honorable discharge in June of 1958. Arnie enjoyed sports, particularly baseball, he coached little league until his illness made it too difficult. He also was an avid walker, logging many miles over the years. Besides his wife, Margaret, survivors include; three daughters, Mary (Robert) Stoehr, Marathon, Nancy (Douglas) Omernik, Plover, Ann (Joseph) Bechle, Mosinee; two sons, Peter (Barbara) Kramer, Mosinee, Michael (Renee) Kramer, Sheboygan; 16 grandchildren, Ryan, Erica, Jeremy Stoehr, Lauren, Elliot Andrea Omernik, Tyler, Kevin Kramer, Alicia, Aundra Bechle, Tony, Jeffrey, Travis Stevens, Alexis, Austin and Ashtin Kramer. Also surviving, six brothers and one sister, Bernard (Patricia) Kramer, Mosinee, Roland (Theresa) Kramer, Edgar, Marcellus (Susan) Kramer, Stevens Point, Francis (Myra) Kramer, Wisconsin Rapids, Martin Jr. (Lynette) Kramer, Stratford, Richard (Karen) Kramer, Mosinee and Darlene (Charles) Machel, Lac du Flambeau. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 24, 2002, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon. The Rev. Joseph Diermeier will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Friends may call from 4-8 p.m., Tuesday at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon, and again from 10 a.m., Wednesday, until the time of services at the church. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the family. There will be a parish vigil service 7p.m., Tuesday at the Marathon funeral home.