Pearl Kramer

Pearl M. Kramer, 90, Seymour, WI, passed away peacefully Thursday, March 12, 2020. She was born September 23, 1929, in Seymour, WI, to William and Ida (Klemp/Klaehn) Ploeger. Pearl’s grandparents came from Germany and started the homestead, eventually her father along with his wife took it over and there they raised their family. It was on this beautiful farm, just outside of Seymour, where she developed her strong work ethic; by working alongside her parents, older sisters, Viola and Sylvia and her younger brother Dan.

On December 30, 1950, she married Paul M. Kramer. Pearl and Paul shared many experiences together while traveling the states driving semi. One of her favorite places was Ontonagon, MI. She stopped traveling with Paul as their family grew larger. Her husband continued to drive semi while Pearl worked secretarial and office positions outside the home until becoming a state certified daycare provider, giving her the ability to be home with her young children. Paul preceded her in death on October 12, 1978.

Pearl was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Seymour, WI, where she taught pre-school Sunday School for 13 years. She became involved in the Seymour Community Museum when it was in a rail car next to the railroad track, spending much time there with other volunteers as it grew, and then moved to the Miller-Piehl location. She was also a member of the Seymour Community Historical Society. Pearl was generous with her time, enjoying caring for and helping others. She was talented and creative, doing upholstery projects, painting ceramics, sewing and crocheting for those she loved.

Pearl took many night classes at NWTC when her children were young, later continuing her education at FVTC. While at FVTC she participated in an internship at The Outagamie County Museum (nka The History Museum at the Castle) which she truly enjoyed. She loved history and genealogy research. Pearl spoke at genealogy research seminars educating others in researching their own histories. Later she started a genealogy research business out of her home. Pearl visited many libraries, courthouses, churches and cemeteries in the area, talking with people in those locations, gleaning information from each. Pearl visited with people in their homes, assisted living facilities and nursing homes and cherished the time she spent with them. During this time she also began writing a history column for the Seymour Times Press.

She is survived daughters Melody (Dan) Richter, Wisconsin Dells, WI; Tamara (Wayne) Mitchell, Springfield, MO; Caryn (Bob) Juidici, De Pere, WI; Dyan Larmay, Green Bay, WI; sons Judd (Darlene) Slade, Seymour, WI; Kevin Kramer, Neenah, WI; son-in-law Rodney Sylvia, Ledyard, CT; 17 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and a sister-in-law. Pearl was preceded in death by her husband, daughter, Colleen Sylvia, her parents, her sisters and brother, her in-laws, William and Augusta Kramer, many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

We are saddened by the loss of our beautiful Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother. We were graced by her presence, her sense of humor, her kindness, her elegance, her love and affection. She will be deeply missed. Life ends, love doesn’t. A private celebration of Mom’s life was held. Muehl-Boettcher Funeral Home, Seymour is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.muehlboettcher.com

We are incredibly grateful to those who cared for Mom. Those who spent time with Mom getting to know her. Those who touched her life and her heart with a smile, kind word or outstretched hand. While you touched her you also touched those who loved her dearly. In lieu of flowers those wishing to do so are invited to send a memorial in her name to Heartland Hospice Memorial Fund 1145 W. Main Avenue, Suite 205, De Pere, WI 54115, or online at heartlandhospicefund.org/donate

1st Thess. 4:15. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.