Eric Wilfred Kramer

Eric Wilfred Kramer, formerly of Southey, SK, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 18, 2012 in the Regina Pasqua Hospital at the age of 88 years.  Predeceased by his parents John and Anna; brothers Adolph, Harold, and Henry; sisters Winnie and Tegla (Herman) Huber.  Eric is survived by his wife Edna; son Brian of Southey; daughter Wendy (Gregory) Burton of Humboldt; granddaughter Katherine Burton.

Eric was born on August 31, 1923. On June 24, 1947 he married Edna Schmalenberg. They had been very happily married for 64 years. Eric resided on the family farm for most years of his life with the exception of a few later years when he and Edna resided in Regina but made frequent trips to the farm.

While Eric acquired only a formal Grade 8 education, he was recognized as a scholar, particularly by his children. His knowledge base continued to grow through all of his reading and interest in farming, the Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Cooperative Movement, in areas of community, national and more worldly issues. He held concern for all peoples. Through the years, Eric was involved with church councils and clergy, the Southey Credit Union, Southey Co-op, the CCF and NDP, more local groups such as the Serath Curling Club and neighbourhood snow plough club, as well as being a Wheat Pool delegate through the 1970s into the early 1980s, and National Farmer's Union member.

Throughout his life, Eric was a farmer. He held high respect for the land as well as animals. Cattle and dogs were his favourites. While Eric loved the land so much he also held high respect and love for human kind. His family, both immediate and extended, were of great importance. Sundays were typically about worship, a drive in the country and a visit with extended family. Excursions to Govan, down the "Schmalenberg Road", to Regina, Manitou Beach and Vancouver, were all about family.

Eric's concern for all people was apparent through his actions. Clergy were not only for listening to on a Sunday. They were invited frequently for meals and a sometimes lengthy visit. If student pastors needed a place to stay for a Saturday night, Eric's farm was where they were often invited. They always knew they were welcome. Politicians at both the provincial and national level were often Eric's friends. Eric could be found just as readily in deep conversation with another farmer, sharing a quiet moment of prayer or thought with a pastor, or driving his tractor to Regina to protest some misfortune facing farmers. He loved to acquire knowledge and share ideas with people from all walks of life. Eric believed in showing kindness, respect, and admiration to all.
 
Memorial Service will be held on Monday, March 5, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. in Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1909 Ottawa Street, Regina, SK with Pastor Rey Dahlen officiating.  Interment will take place at a later date in Serath-Elbourne Cemetery.  The family wishes to extend a heart-felt thanks to the Staff at Regina Pioneer Village for the kind and professional care given to Eric during his stay there.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Sask., 279 – 3rd Avenue North, Saskatoon, SK S7K 2H8 or a charity of your choice.