Larry Kramer

Larry Kramer, 81, of Clear Lake, passed away on June 21, 2025, at Oakwood Care Center. Though we mourn his passing, we celebrate a life filled with love, hard work, and joyful memories shared with family, friends, and community.

Born in Fenton, Iowa, to Harland and Edna (Douglas) Kramer, Larry grew up with a creative spirit and endless curiosity. His younger brother, Ron, recalls how Larry was always building—forts made of hay and straw in the barn, treehouses crafted from scavenged wood, even a makeshift airplane for imaginary trips around the world.

Larry graduated from high school in Ringsted before continuing his education at Estherville Junior College and later at Minnesota State University, Mankato. It was during his time in junior college that he met Judy Fay, a young bookkeeper working at a local bank. A blind date brought them together and sparked a lifelong love. They were married on November 23, 1963—just one day after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy—and went on to share 62 years as devoted partners in love, life, and business.

Together, they raised five children—Michael, Randy, Kris, Kim, and Katie—in a home filled with love, laughter, and adventure. Larry was the steady presence, the glue (Elmer’s, the kids say) that held the family together. His circle of love expanded to include eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and many dear friends and colleagues. He was the best role model, mentor, and teacher his family could have asked for.

Larry spent many years in retail management before he and Judy moved to Clear Lake in 1989 and purchased a hardware store. Through hard work and determination, they grew that single store into a successful chain with locations in Clear Lake, Mason City, Garner, Austin (Minnesota), and Hampton. Though they later sold the Austin and Hampton stores, their commitment to community and customer service turned Kramer Ace Hardware into a regional staple and a pillar of support. Every one of their children—and most of the grandchildren—worked alongside them at one point, making it truly a family business.

Though Larry was a quiet and humble man, his presence was unmistakable. His warm smile could light up a room, and his steady, hands-on leadership earned the respect of all who worked with him. He was never one to sit back and watch—Larry worked side by side with his employees, stocking shelves, assisting customers, and doing whatever needed to be done to keep the business running smoothly. His loyal dog, Ginger, was a frequent companion at the store, becoming a beloved fixture among staff and customers alike. Larry led by example, showing that true leadership comes from hard work, kindness, and treating others with respect.

Camping was one of Larry’s greatest joys. The Kramer family's first camper was a well-loved 1971 seventeen-foot “Yellowstone” that launched countless adventures. From weekend getaways to extended road trips across the U.S. and Canada—especially their beloved annual trips to Rocky Mountain National Park—Larry created memories that will last a lifetime.

An outdoorsman at heart, Larry loved fishing, hunting, boating, and later in life, pickleball. He was a loyal Hawkeye football and basketball fan and a lifelong Chicago Cubs supporter—long before it was cool.

Larry was also deeply committed to his faith and community. He was an active member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, served on the church school board, and was involved with the Knights of Columbus and the Clear Lake Noon Lions Club—where he could always be counted on for the early shift at the annual chicken BBQ and the emergency charcoal run. Larry took pride in being involved in countless community and church committees.

To honor Larry is to love your family, help your friends, serve your community, and live with the quiet confidence of God’s grace. Larry Kramer, our Helpful Hardware Man, lived a life that mattered.

He is survived by his loving wife, Judy (Fay) Kramer; his brother, Ron (Sherry) Kramer of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and their five children: Michael (Jill) Kramer of Garner, Iowa; Randy (Richelle) Kramer of Buffalo, Minnesota; Kris Kramer of Clear Lake, Iowa; Kim (Gregg Haug) Kramer of Thornton, Iowa; and Katie Kramer of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.

His grandchildren include Joshua Kramer (fiancée Kenidy Wells) of Clear Lake, Iowa; Melyssa McDonough (Joe) of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota; Jeffrey Kramer (fiancée Michelle Condon) of Santa Monica, California; Jana Mewes (Shawn) of Kanawha, Iowa; Morgan Larson of Rudd, Iowa; Matthew Kramer-Blaine, Minnesota; Meaghyn Kramer of Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Holden Larson of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Great-grandchildren include Jayce Mewes, Carter Mewes, Salvator Mewes, Alaska Kramer, Lennyn Wells, Charlotte McDonough, and Jacen McDonough.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Harland and Edna Kramer, and his infant sister, Karen Kramer.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, June 27, 2025, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1001 9th Avenue S., Clear Lake, Iowa, with Rev. Josh Link as Celebrant. Burial will follow at Clear Lake Cemetery.

Visitation will take place from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 1st Avenue N., Clear Lake, Iowa. A Scriptural Wake Service will begin at 4:30 PM. Memorials may be directed to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church or the Clear Lake Noon Lions Club.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel 310 1st Ave N Clear Lake 641-357-2193 ColonialChapels.com