Leon Edward Kramer

    Leon Edward Kramer, age 77, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Thursday, May 25, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family.

     A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Johns, MI, at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, with Rev. Fr. Michael Williams presiding. Burial will take place at Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, MI. Visitation will be held on Monday, May 29, 2023, from 2-8 P.M. with the family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI. A Rosary will be prayed on Monday evening at 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home. 

   Leon was born in Lansing, Michigan on September 26, 1945, the son of Clayton "Honey" and Elizabeth "Betty" (Schafer) Kramer. Leon graduated from Fowler High School with the class of 1963. Leon married Diana Lynn (Ernst) Kramer on January 29, 1966, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Johns, MI. They have been blessed with 57 years of marriage.

     Leon worked at Motor Wheel from May 1, 1964, until they relocated in 1996. After retirement, he owned and operated a small real estate agency in St. Johns and drove school bus for St. Johns Public Schools for 10 years. Leon also worked with builder and best friend John Jelinek. He loved playing cards, fishing, and horse shoes. Leon enjoyed playing pool and he was president of the local men's pool league for many years. Leon enjoyed carpentry and woodworking. He took great pride in maintaining his lawn and vehicles. Most of all, Leon loved the time he spent with his family, especially his wife. During the summer months the entire family enjoyed lake life together at Leon and Diana's.

     Leon was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus and a previous member of the St. Johns American Legion. He proudly served his country in the United States Army National Guard in Grand Ledge.

   He is survived by his wife Diana Kramer, daughter Dawn and Jim Lawless, daughter Kelly and Tim LeVeck, daughter Jenny Kramer, all of St. Johns, MI: seven grandchildren: Emily Kramer, Grace Kramer-Deveau, Timmy LeVeck, Trevor LeVeck, Clayton Lawless, Nicholas Lawless, and Victoria Lawless and special great-granddaughter Reagan Kramer. He is also survived by his sister Dianne and Harry Goerge of St. Johns, MI; and his brother Ken and Eva Kramer of St. Johns, MI.  Leon was preceded in death by his parents, in laws Lloyd and Reva Ernst, and brother Clare Kramer.

     Memorials may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.