Vivian Kramer

Vivian Eleanor Kramer, 87, died Friday, January 21, 2011 at St. Brigid's at Hi-Park. She was born August 8, 1923 in Alfred, North Dakota, the daughter of John and Ernestine (Dufloth) Henne. She was a graduate of Gackle High School in Gackle, North Dakota and of Jamestown College, which began a 50 year career in teaching. During World War II, she worked in Portland, Oregon supporting the defense industry. After the war she met a fellow teacher and returning Marine Alvin A. Kramer, and they were married in 1948 in Aberdeen, South Dakota. She then taught school in various North Dakota communities culminating with a 22 year term at Minot Senior High School in Minot North Dakota. She was especially proud of the students she mentored and motivated to read who went on to college because of her encouragement. After retirement they moved to Rochester, Minnesota and wintered in Apache Junction, Arizona. Following Alvin's death in 1998 she moved to Arizona and resided there until 2008 when she moved to Red Wing to be closer to her son. She was an avid reader who enjoyed helping others, her friends, playing cards and garage sales.

She is survived by her son, Barry (Judy) Kramer of Red Wing; one granddaughter, Jessica Kramer (Eric Block) of Portland, Oregon; one sister Alvina Fouts of Tulsa, Oklahoma; and one brother Burnette Henne of Casa Grande, Arizona. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Alvin.

There is no immediate service planned. There will be a memorial service for family and friends in the spring with interment of the cremains in Alfred, North Dakota. Arrangements are by Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel.