87, made his journey Home, on July 19, 2019. Ray’s life-journey was saturated with God; love, family, friends; a successful career, service to his country through the US Army; service to the community through numerous volunteer activities.
A loving husband to Carole (Schaeffer) Kramer for 59 years. Their families knew each other through St. Agnes Parish in St. Louis, both attended this school. They reunited at Carole’s sister Ginny’s wedding when they both were in the wedding party. It was love at first sight for a young Ray and a younger Carole as they danced that evening. They married a couple years later at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, August 6, 1960.
Ray’s pride and joy were his 8 children and 28 grandchildren. A devoted father of Laura (Jim) O’Hallaron, Nancy (John) Kroll, Barb (Steve) Frein, Steve (Nancy) Kramer, Debby (Bill) Koulouriotis, Michelle (Joe) Moffatt, David (Megan) Kramer, John (Amber) Kramer. A doting grandfather to Molly, Kate, Claire, and Micheal O’Hallaron, Emily (Chris) Carpenter, Gretchen and Hannah Kroll, Elise (Sean) O’Brien, Andrea, Matthew, and Daniel Frein, Helen, William, Carolan, and Mary Kramer, George, Grace, and Zoe Koulouriotis, Joseph, Charlie, and Leo Moffatt, Ryan, Nicholas, Patrick and Colin Kramer, Rose, Eloise, and Harriet Kramer.
A devoted brother to Bob Kramer, Joan (Michael) Tettamble, and the late Catherine Bubash. Loving brother-in-law to Charlie Schaeffer, Joan (Charlie) Nigh, Mary (Tom) Kenefick, Virginia (Charlie) McFarland, Lois (John) Pollard, Jane (Bob) Harr, Judy (Frank) Fenton, John (Margie) Schaeffer. Loving Uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Ray’s achievements were remarkable, all dedicated to the Greater Glory of God and too numerous to mention. He was a proud alumni of St. Mary’s High School and St. Louis University. Ray was a faith-filled community leader at Our Lady of Providence Parish for many years and attended White House retreats for over 40 years. He volunteered in many capacities including, CYC coach for softball, basketball and soccer for all of his children, prison ministries, “meals on wheels” to name a few. Ray was a beautiful example of how to live life to the fullest.
Ray was a loving husband, strong father, devoted brother, faithful friend, doting grandfather, good neighbor, community leader and mentor to many. While he will be missed, we know he is off to Glory in Heaven.
Services: You are invited to help celebrate Ray’s life on Wednesday July 24, 2019 9:00 am at Our Lady of Providence Church (8866 Pardee Rd, 63123) and burial at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery at 11:00 am. Visitation will be Tuesday July 23, 2019 at Kutis Funeral Home in Affton (10151 Gravios Rd. 63123) 4-8PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Society of St. Vincent de Paul, svdpstlouis.org.