"Trisha I just found out today about Mike. I am so sorry to hear about that. There's never a time that I got to talk to Mike that I didn't have a great time. My prayers go out to you and your family."
In loving memory of
Michael Peter Kramer
February 24, 1969 - June 19, 2013
A man's worth is not so much found in the things he acquired or the riches he had, but rather in the way he led his life, and the people he touched. Mike Kramer was such a man. He found his worth in his love for the Lord, and each time he looked into the eyes of his beloved wife and children. With a servant's heart, Mike lived with integrity, grace, and ways which were all his own.
The year 1969 was a turning point within the culture of America. With the onset of the Vietnam War, the sense of innocence experienced in the previous decade was lost to a nation rapidly growing, and a culture of youth who found voice for a cause. Anti-war demonstrations made daily headlines, news of the day included the thousands gathered at Woodstock, and Neil Armstrong took a giant leap for mankind with the first step on the moon. Among these days of change, Edward and Mary (Siebenaler) Kramer had news of their own on February 24, 1969 when they welcomed the birth of their son, Michael into their arms.
Born in Rochester, Minnesota, Michael was raised on his family's beef, hog, and crop farm in the small community of Elba, Minnesota. He enjoyed the adventures of childhood, and life on the farm offered him much during his formative years. Always the talker, Michael could strike up a conversation with nearly anyone, even at an early age. He especially loved talking with his mom. Raised in a home filled with laughter and love, his wonderful sense of values and compassion for others can be attributed to his earliest beginnings. He learned early on the difference between right and wrong, and lived his life accordingly.
As a youngster, there was never a lack of anyone for Michael to play with. With a bustling household of children, he often played with his siblings in the sandbox, and to him, butterscotch candies gave him, "special powers". During his youth, he enjoyed giving horse rides to his younger siblings. Michael attended the area schools and loved cross country in high school. He was a social young man, and a friend to many. Outgoing and well liked, Michael made a friend in everyone he met. Soon after graduating from St. Charles High School in 1987, Michael was initiated into the AGR Fraternity at the University of Minnesota-St. Paul where he made numerous good friends who called him Spike and made lasting memories before graduating in 1992.
Although as a child he had a dream of becoming Pope, Mike enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving from 1993 to 1997. During his time in the service, he attained the rank of Captain, and his tour of duty included time in Ft. Knox, Kentucky, Ft. Carson, Colorado, Camp Darby in Italy, and at Camp Doha in Kuwait. He was in Cuter, the United Arab Emirates, and in Bahrain. He also served as a Port Operations Officer on a tanker with the M1 Abrams. Even though Mike proudly and honorably served his country, as a kid he saw a crop duster which began his passion for flying one day. After his discharge, he somewhat regretted not having enlisted in helicopter flight training for the Army.
In 1994, Mike's life changed in a dramatic way when he accepted Jesus as his Savior, and committed his life to serving Him. Through this commitment, Mike's life began transforming in new and positive ways. Always a likable fellow, he made many friends while in the military, one of which introduced him to Tricia Riggins, the love of his life. With the Lord as his center, and with Tricia beside him, Mike felt truly complete. Colorado Springs, Colorado set the stage for their meeting, and before long they fell deeply in love. After being blessed in marriage in Monument, Colorado on February 25, 1995, the two were eager to begin their new life together.
After a move to Clear Lake, Wisconsin in 1997, Mike counted the births of his two children, Katie and Daniel as the best times of his life. Coming from a large family, Mike desired ten children, which became a standing joke between he and Tricia. He felt blessed beyond compare with his devoted wife by his side, and his children in his arms. Katie was Mike's "Sweet Pea", while Daniel was Mike's, Boogie. These nicknames were forever endearing to Mike.
A man after God's own heart, Mike lived his life with a strong, Christian faith. He was sensitive to others, and had a way of knowing people's feelings in the quiet places of his heart. Mike was very traditional, and people referred to him as, "grandpa" because he liked old things. Even as an adult, Mike loved going home for visits to the familiar surroundings of family. There were a few things he didn't care for, like food eaten in his car, and when their cat peed in the house, it was forever banned from entering again. After that, he held a good grudge against cats.
The year 1997 found Mike and Tricia purchasing their own dairy farm in Clear Lake, Wisconsin after living in Italy for a year. There they worked and milked 45 Jerseys in all, and had a grazing operation. Along with his family, Mike's sister-in-law, Rose also lived with them. Near and dear to Mike and Tricia's heart, Rose has Downs Syndrome, which in 1998 prompted them to purchase an old Victorian house in town where they began providing adult foster care for developmentally disabled adults. Quite fitting, they named their home, Rosewood.
In time, Mike switched his farm from seasonal, grass based dairy to a seasonal, custom heifer grazing operation. In 2006, they sold the farm and foster home, and began anew in Sevierville, Tennessee where Mike realized his dream of flying. He began his helicopter flying career, and that very year, Mike flew helicopter for cattle roundup in Australia. In 2007-2008 he flew tours over the Smokey Mountain National Park in Tennessee, and flew the news chopper in Orlando, Florida for Sky 13.
By 2009, Mike was flying for Scotts Helicopters which included the Twin Cities Metropolitan Mosquito Control. Throughout this time, he also flew for news choppers, Fox 9, Kare 11, and WCCO 4 as needed. By 2010, he used his flying skills for Air Evac Lifeteem, EMS (Emergency Medical Service) in Alabama and Kentucky. He loved combining his love for flying and care for others, and in 2011 he flew for Wings Air Rescue, EMS Helicopter in Jenkins, Kentucky and in 2012 for UT Knoxville Lifestar EMS Helicopter.
In January of this year, Mike and his family moved back home to Minnesota where they settled in St. Charles. They became faithful members of Heartland Community Church of St. Charles and enjoyed every Sunday brunch at "Grandma Kramer's." Mike went on to work for Mercy Air Med out of Mason City, Iowa, and by Spring returned to Scotts Helicopters spraying for Metropolitan Mosquito Control. After settling in, together Mike and Tricia made goals for the future. After their Tennessee hobby farm sold, they hoped to have bought a small farm near St. Charles, and Mike planned on continuing to spray for Scotts. They also planned on providing adult foster care in their home again.
Mike's lived fully and completely at every opportunity. He experienced much, and never put too much stock in material possessions or riches. He knew his friends and family were most important. He placed his faith in his Lord, and in all he did, Mike Kramer did to the best of his ability, and for those entrusted to his care. Through the Lord, Mike accomplished much, and was called friend by many. He realized his dream of flying, and did so with a servant's heart. A devoted man who dedicated his life for the benefit of others, Mike is enjoying the fruits of his labor in the loving arms of his Lord . . . "Well done, good and faithful servant!"
At the age of 44, Michael P. Kramer, of St. Charles, died Wednesday, June 19, 2013 as a result of a helicopter accident in Maplewood, Minnesota. Loving husband, giving father, conscientious student, excellent pilot, and a Christian man who stood for the truth, he will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.
Mike is survived by his wife, Tricia; daughter, Katherine, and son, Daniel; his mother, Mary Kramer of St. Charles; father, Edward (JoAn) Kramer of St. Charles; paternal grandmother, Evabell Kramer of St. Charles; 12 siblings: Deborah (Robert) Manemann of Plainview, John (Gwendolyn) Kramer of Glen Rose, TX, Susan (Burnell) Folkert of Rochester, Steven (April) Kramer, David (Karen) Kramer and Karen Davis, all of St. Charles, Terry Nelson of Rochester, Melanie (Joseph) Kreidermacher and Gregory (Jacqualynn) Kramer of St. Charles, Kathleen (Jarred) Mosdal of Lanesboro, Matthew (Joyce) Kramer of Chatfield, and Victoria (Rian) Jones of Stewartville; mother-in-law, Adrian Barnes; sisters-in-law, Mary (David) Maynard, Jeanne (Steve) James, and Rose Riggins, whom Mike and Tricia were foster parents; brothers-in-law, John (Melanie) Riggins and Mike (Melinda) Riggins; many nieces and nephews. Mike was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Bill Riggins, and maternal grandparents, Alex and Olivia Siebenaler; paternal grandfather, Gregory Kramer; and brother-in-law, Gene Davis.
A celebration of Mike's life will be held at 10:00 AM Monday, June 24, 2013 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church with Pastor Mark Pluim and the Reverend Kurt Farrell officiating. Burial will follow in St. Aloysius Cemetery in Elba with the St. Charles American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars conducting military graveside honors. Friends may meet with his family from 4-8 PM on Sunday at Hoff Funeral Service in St. Charles and from 9-10 AM Monday prior to his service at church. The family prefers memorials in lieu of flowers. Please visit www.hofffuneral.com to share a favorite memory and photo of Mike, view his Life Story film and to sign his online guest book.
Tributes
"Kramer Family,I had the pleasure of knowing Mike in Orlando. He was my pilot flying for Metro Networks. Mike was one of the best pilots I ever worked with. Not only was he a great pilot but a wonderful man. It was an honor to know a man of such high standards for life. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.Jackie O'Brien"
"Dear Tricia, Katie & Daniel. It is with tears in my eyes that I am typing this...I just checked my phone and saw your email.I was going to call you guys this week. The only thing I see when I think of Mike is his big smile and his smiling eyes always filled with kindness, respect for everyone regardless who they were. I met Mike In Titusville Orlando While we were in the same class at Helicopter Adventure Inc. We got talking and he expressed not being so found of IFR material. Daniel Sandsleth and I got together and reviewed the material together. At the end of the day we had managed to put a big smile back on Mike :))After that you guys invited me now and then for some delicious cooking and unforgettable times. I was always a bit of a fireball but Mike always knew how to talk to me. In many ways in reminded me of a younger version of Nelson Mandela. When Mike started to talk, you listened. There was so much kindness love and understanding in Mike, it was just astounding. I always had the greatest respect for Mike. Even when we sort of lost touch I never forgot Mike or you guys. I saw Mike for the last time when he was flying in Orlando for News 13. We flew together and I must say that after 2 years not having him seen fly, I was impressed ! He was extremely proficient, confident but not overly and demonstrated perfect control. I am sooo happy that he got to fly EMS. This was a big deal for him.We always talked that our goal was EMS. At the time it seemed so far away. Not every pilot get to fly EMS. It is not a job for the average Joe. It takes an excellent pilot who excels each time to brave the odds and try to save another soul. Mike became a great pilot and never lost his kind and generous nature. The flying community has lost a top notch pilot who never ever boasted about his accomplishments and a friend that shall be sorely missed. I know that Mike truly loved to fly but his absolute true love was you and the kids Trich.Mike was all that a friend could ever wish for. Mike was probably the most honest and kindest man I ever met. I have learned so much from Mike as to be a father. I was always amazed to see him the way he was with the kids. Always calm, gentle and guiding. Thank you Mike for talking to me and making me a better man. I am saddened beyond belief and yet I can see him smiling telling me :" We do not always choose the way we go but I will always be here for you all, go on living for me, never give up on your dreams, live your life the best you can, be the best you can be. I thank you all for a wonderful life, I love you all. I will never ever ever forget you Mike ! You were the incarnation of what is very best in us. I wish you well my dear dear friend.To a one of a kind friend and a great helicopter pilot !God's Speed Mike Shayan"
"Dearest Tricia, Katie, Daniel and family. We are blessed to have been able to know you while you were at SHCC. Your whole family is a light for others. We are so saddened by the loss of Mike. We are praying for your family, and comfort at this time. May God bless you and keep you in His care at this time."
"Dear Tricia, Katie & Daniel. I met Mike on Tuesday afternoon when he landed in our church parking lot to refuel. I am the Youth Pastor at First Evangelical Free Church in Maplewood. We had a really great visit as he enjoyed a coffee break and I asked him questions about his life. I was drawn by the helicopter out my window at first, but really enjoyed talking with Mike about his life. I want you to know that he told me about all three of you and how much he loved you and was enjoying living life together. When I heard the horrible news about Mike's death on Wed. morning, my heart grieved for all of you in your loss...but I am so glad to know Mike was "in Christ". Thanks for sharing him with us in the Maplewood area...he was appreciated for what he did to the mosquitoes...but also as a man of kindness and character. Please know my wife, Kirsten, and I have been praying for you all weekend and we prayed for you all by name in our services this Sunday. If there's anything we can do for you, please let us know. Psalm 116:15 In Jesus' Love, Pastor Kenny King"
"Dear Tricia and Children,The story about your husband's helicopter crash caught my attention when I heard it on the radio- any mention of a helicopter crash always hits me in the pit of my stomach- my husband flew a helicopter and did crop spraying for over 30 years. (Some of those for Scott's helicopter). I learned over the years to deal with the worry and chances he took while flying- it was what he loved to do most in the world. It sounds as though that love of flying was a great part of your husband and father's life too. Your family has been in my thoughts and prayers ever since I heard about the crash. Reading all of the messages from his friends and his obituary show me what a special husband, father and friend you lost. God's peace and blessings as you say godspeed and farewell. Sincerely, Robin Hutton"
"Tricia and family-So very sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts during this difficult time.Annie Skogen"
"My thoughts and prayers are with you all today Trish, Katie and Daniel. Mike was one of the finest people I've ever known and I am fortunate to have known him. His spirit lives on through his children and they can be so proud of their Dad and the way he lived his life. I hope that over the years they draw strenth from the memory of him, his kindness, compassion and dedication to what he believed in."
"We hosted Mike for 6 months in 1991 on his agricultural exchange trip to Australia. He came back to Australia in 2006 and flew our R22 mustering cattle on an outback cattle station. Our family cannot believe this has happened to Mike as he was so meticulous and thorough with all his aviation activities, always checking everything before takeoff.We had a wonderful friend in Mike and we saw in him all the great things that everyone has described in this guestbook. Wendy and I are so grateful for the time he spent with us and the long lasting friendship we had for more than two decades. Mike's passing saddens us deeply as our hearts are broken and our spirits are weakened but our thoughts and prayers will be with all of the Kramer family as you pass through this difficult time together. To Tricia, Katie and Daniel stay strong as Mike would want you to be."
"What a beautiful obituary for Mike. We are so sorry for your loss, and are praying for all of you. I hope that you find peace knowing that you will see each other again. Clay has been praying for Daniel and Katie, and we are all heartbroken for the loss of their dad. Gods love will pull you through when nothing else can. We love all of you."
"You are all in the Thoughts and Prayers of the Mercy Air Med staff. Mike was only with us a short time but was loved by all of us. He was such a happy, caring man and an excellent pilot as well. He will be missed by all!May God continue to watch over you in this time of need."
"My condolences to the Kramer family. May you be comforted by the many loving memories of Mike. A nicer guy you could never meet. He always had a smile on his face when I saw him at work. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. God now has a very special Angel in heaven to watch over us all.The O'Brien Family"
"Kramer Family,I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Mike was a bright light. You are in my thoughts and prayers."
"We are truly sorry for the loss of such a wonderful cousin. The entire family will be in our thoughts and prayers as you are going through this difficult time."
"Each day i came to the house for Rose was fulfilled by so much beauty in the Kindness and compassion that Mike gave to Tricia, Rose, Daniel and Katie. He was full of life and always had a cheerful smile, very polite and eloquent in story telling. He spoke with so much enthusiasm about Tricia and their lives together and always made me feel like a member of the family. You were a wonderful friend and you will be missed terribly.Liz"
"Tricia,I am heart broken for you, Katie, and Daniel. You are in my prayers. Sincerely,Denise Gordon"
"Tricia, Our hearts ache for you and the kids. Mike was so real...really a man after God's own heart. Celebrate his life with memories that remain in hearts and minds of all whose lives he touched. Sending our love, Barry and Renee Iverson"
"Mike you became an amazing man. Sry to hear the world has lost you.. Prayers and thoughts for your family and friends from myself and family. R.I.P."
"As much as you were loved by all of your family and friends here on earth, God loves you more and has called you to rest in his loving arms. You will be truly missed by everyone that had the pleasure of knowing you. It is my prayer for the loved ones you leave behind that they may find a tiny morsel of comfort hidden beneath the tremendous amount of heartache in knowing that one day they will be reunited with you in heaven.... Never to cry another tear of sorrow. Rest well Mike, a job well done."
"Michael will be missed by all."
"Tricia and family....please know you are in our hearts and prayers during this time and we are so saddened by your loss.Susan, Sophia and Olivia"
"We are so very sorry for your loss. Mike was a great guy, always friendly, helpful, and welcoming. Even though we hadn't seen each other in awhile, I will miss my cousin. My heart aches for you all. You are in our thoughts. Love, Bryan & Travis"
"Mike was a wonderful, kind, loving family man, and great neighbor. We'll always be grateful for him helping us look for our little dog when he disappeared and helping us care for the orphaned baby squirrels when their mother got run over. We send our love and are so sorry for your great loss . You are in our hearts and prayers."
"Tricia and all,My thoughts are with you. Mike was a great guy. I remember all the fun we all had taking walks all the way around the section after chores in the summer, reading in your living room and just hanging out together. I know your heart is heavy at this loss. Please know that I am thinking of you."
"We are very sorry for your loss. Your whole family is in our prayers."
"Tricia, Katie, and Daniel-We were heartbroken to hear about Mike. He was so special to us. I don't know how we would have made it through our time in Orlando without him; he was always so supportive and kind and we will miss him. Please let us know if there is anything at all that we can do for any of you. Love,Keith, Michele, Kaelyn, and Molly Covington"
"We were so sad to hear the news of Mike's passing. We have been praying for you Trisha and the Kids. I remember when we were both expecting at the same time when you went to church at Reeve. You and Mike touched so many lives. Mike was such a special guy. A gentle spirit, Godly husband and father. May God comfort you at this time. With Sincere Sympathy, Jeff and Patty Amundson"
"I spent two great summers (1978/1979) and a couple of deer hunts on the Kramer Farm. I alway's will remember Mike as a great kid who was extremely interested in my stories as I compared my home of the "Southside" of Chicago to the beautiful Kramer Farm and the Elba Area. Nancy, Clare, Tom and I send our deepest sympathy and condolences to Mike's Wife and Children and to Mary, Eddie and the entire Kramer Family. May God Bless you all!"
"I enjoyed working with Mike as he was truely an exceptional person. When he moved back to the Minnesota , LIFESTAR lost a great pilot and a even better person. Our prayers are with Trish, Rose, Katie, Daniel and the rest of the Kramer family.Terry NealFlight Paramedic UT LIFESTAR"
"Trisha and family we were so sadden to hear about Mike. You are in our prayers! Your Reeve Church family is also praying."
"Trish, Daniel & Katie, The entire King's Academy family is absolutely heartbroken over the loss of Micheal. As Lydia's father, I got to know him while sitting in the stands watching our daughters play middle school basketball. He was a wonderful person and we will remember him always and will hold your entire family up in prayer. God Bless."
"Dear Tricia and family,At this time I can only tell you how sad I am... Michael was really a great nephew! Having been with him from little on was just so good. As he grew and became a man, it was wonderful to see him work through some sad times and great times. And he always went forward without any fuss, but with a goal in mind. Never seeming to look back, but forward...We will miss him and pray for you at this time.Frankie and Judy"
"Pat, Katie and Danny, Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. You will always be part of our Boyds Creek Family and many prayers are sent your way during this tragic loss. I pray God sends his Angels to surround you during this time. We all send our Love. Trish Simpson"
"We are so sorry for your loss. We will be praying for all of you during this difficult time."
"Our prayers and thoughts are with you and the children at this time. Mike was an outstanding young man that will be sorely missed. We count it among our blessings to have known him."
"We are so saddened at hearing the news that Mike has passed away. He was such a great and caring friend who loved many people. May He continue to give strength and peace to Tricia and the two kids during this difficult time. Praying for you."
"To Tricia Katie Daniel Rose and the Kramer family: WE are so very saddened to hear of Mike's tragic accident. He was such a warm hearted caring husband, father, brother and friend. He always had this smile on him and loved life. We will miss him more than words can express. Katie you have his smile and Daniel you have your dad's energy of life. Tricia you have the strength and courage and remind them how much Mike loved of all you . He will never be forgotten."
"I am so sorry dear family, Tricia, Katie, Daniel, and Evabell, Mary, Eddie, Debbie, Johnny, Susie, Stevie, David,Karen,Terry, Melanie,Kathy, Matthew, & Victoria. Words cannot express the pain you must be going through. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Mike, my cousin, we were close in age, we were in elementary, & high school, sports, church, reunions, and family celebrations together. I will always remember Mike as very positive, smart, motivated, dependable, a bright light, and a friend to all. You will surely be missed by many!"
"Mike and I were classmates at SCHS and also at UMN. We were brothers at the AGR house. He was a terrific friend. Everybody loved Mike. He had the strongest character of all of us. I am pretty shook up by this loss. My wife and I send prayers to his family."
"We are very sad for the entire Kramer family. Having known all of them, mother, father, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles and cousins from that area. Our hearts are filled with sorrow and pain. God bless all of you in your time of need."
"We are all so sorry for your loss. Mike was a great person. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. We will pray for you to get through this very tough time. God Bless you all!Love,Mike and Pauline Siebenaler and family"
"My Sweet Friend Trish, Precious Katie & Daniel -- my heart is breaking for the loss of your Wonderful Godly husband & father. Mike was a true blessing to everyone who crossed his path. He made a difference in every every life he touched. My prayers are with you all. He will be missed. I love you all."
"I had the great priviledge of being Mike's alternate pilot for Lifestar 3. He is a wonderful man of God.We spent a lot of time together talking at shift change about life and bragging about our kids. I am deeply saddened and will miss him greatly, but know I will see him again someday. May God bless you and keep you."
"What a terrible loss of a wonderful young man. Judy and I will keep Trish and the kids in our prayers. We are so blessed to have known him and have him as a relative."
"Our hearts are broken at the loss of this wonderful friend. He was a loving father, husband, and great Christian. He was such a kind and caring man who will be missed by so many that loved him. Our prayers for Tricia, Katie, and Daniel that they will find comfort during these difficult times. We love you all!"
"We are so sad for your loss, Tricia. The few days we spent together a year ago now will remain even more precious in our hearts. Mike had such gentle but strong spirit that beamed from his personality. We saw his love for you, Daniel, Katie and Rose. May the Lord's loving presence cover you with His peace and comfort."
"I have very good memories of Mike from high school. I was looking forward to spending more time with his family since they had just moved back to St Charles. I will remember him very fondly and will remember to pray for Tricia and the kids often. It is hard not to shed tears but we can truly celebrate the life of this Godly man."
"Trisha and family, we are so sorry for the loss of your beloved Mike. We will never forget one day when Mike stopped at our farm, it just happened that we were having trouble with one of our conveyors. It was plugged with haylage. With his help we were able to get it going. He was kind and very helpful. May God bless you through this most difficult time."
"Dear Sister Trish, Katie & Daniel; I am so shocked and saddened by Mike's death. I know it will be hard on Grandpa Wood as he so enjoyed the long visit he had when Mike stopped to see him. We will be there. Love & hugs until and I can deliver them in person."
"Mike was a truly kind, sweet and genuine person. It was a great honor to work with him at LIFESTAR, and a pleasure to be around him.Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Tricia.Dan and Sue Toberman"
"Our thoughts and prayers during this time.Susan Sophia and Olivia"
"Our deepest heartfelt sympathies to you and your family. I had the privilege of working with Mike at LIFESTAR on occasion and greatly enjoyed working with him. He was such a blessing - always a smile and kind word! True Christian example....our prayers are with each of you!Sincerely,Jo Ella and Mark Pack"
"So sorry for your loss.....we are praying for you....Love you, Auntie Patsy and Denny"
"May you rest in peace. Mike was one of the kindest people I have ever worked with. He forever will be the type of man one should strive to be. I am blessed to have known him, and I will forever carry his memory in my heart. To the family, my sincerest condolences. Thank you for sharing him with us, he has and forever will be missed by his LIFESTAR family."
"Trish, Katie, Daniel and family,The news of Mike's death has taken a piece of our hearts at LIFESTAR. Mike was a great pilot, but an even better human being. We were saddened when he left for Minnesota but are now heart broken for you and your family. Mike was a friend and he will live in our thoughts forever. The lives he helped save over the years will forever stand as a tribute to him and we are proud to have called him "our" pilot and most importantly... our friend.God Bless,Rocky Walker, RNUT LIFESTAR - Base Clinical LeadKnoxville, TN"