Albert "Al" Leroy Kramer

Albert “Al” Leroy Kramer, 80, of Catawba Island, Ohio, formerly of Romeo, Michigan, passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones on July 2, 2025.

Born June 17, 1945, in Almont, Michigan, Al lived a life defined by service, integrity, and a deep love for his country and family. He earned his triple major Bachelor’s degrees in History, Psychology, and Biology in 1969 from Western Michigan University. He received his double Master’s degrees in Education Leadership and Audiovisual Media in 1977 from Western Michigan University.

Al was drafted into the U.S. Army Infantry and proudly served three tours in Vietnam from 1969 - 1972, where he began collecting wooden figurines—one of which, a coffee table, he often recalled with pride as something he “carried all the way back from Vietnam strapped to [his] back.” His 26-year military career culminated with his retirement at the rank of Master Sergeant. In addition to his military service, Al dedicated more than 26 years to federal government service at the Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM).

Al’s life was enriched by his many passions. During his college years he ran a scuba shop with his good friend, Mark. He was an avid outdoorsman, a keen photographer, and a lover of history, politics, hunting, shooting, classic films, and storytelling. Those who knew him will remember not only his dedication but also the warmth and humor he brought to every story he told.

He was preceded in death by his father, Albert Gotlieb Kramer; his mother, Edith Emma Bluhm; and his infant sister, Shirley.

Al is survived by his beloved wife, Kathleen (Muller); his three stepsons, Kevin (Allison) Francis, Ryan Francis, and Shawn Francis; and five cherished grandchildren: Luke, Liam, Ryder, Violet, and Annie.

Visitation will Sunday, July 6, 2025 from 2:00 – 5:00 pm at Neidecker, Crosser & Priesman Funeral Home, Peninsula Chapel, 7755 E. Harbor Rd. Lakeside-Marblehead, Ohio. Funeral services will be conducted 1:00 pm Monday, July 7, 2025 at the funeral home with interment to follow in Catawba Island Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Port Clinton Veterans of Foreign Wars Post, 214 Madison St. Port Clinton, OH 43452. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.neideckercrosserpriesman.com .