EARLING -- John Joseph Kramer, the son of Joseph P and Elinor (Assman) Kramer, was born March 8, 1914 on a farm in Grove township, Shelby Co. He died May 2, 1985, at St. Joseph's hospital in Omaha, NE., at age 71 years , 1 month and 2 days.

Joe was baptized, received his First Communion and confirmed at St Joseph's Catholic church in Earling, he attended country school and alter St. Joseph's Catholic school and grew to adulthood while helping on his parents farm.

After school, Joe farmed with his brother, Leonard for many years. He retired in 1875, but continued to live on the farm until 1979, when he moved into Earling. This has been home since that time.

Joe was lifetime member of St. Joseph's Catholic church and a member of Earling Council No. 1741, 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus both of Earling. He was also a member of Luke E. Hart General Assembly 4th Degree Knights of Columbus of defiance.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by one brother, Albert. He is survived by four brothers, Alfonse and Leonard both of Earling, Leo of Omaha and Robert of Harlan; two sisters, Marie (Mrs. Clarence) Freund or Earling and Margaret (Mrs. Otto) Klein of Panama; nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.

A Concelebrated mass of Christian burial was celebrated at St. Joseph's Catholic church in Earling. Monday, May 6, 1985 with Rev. Gerald Stessman as celebrant, and Rev. Greg Leach and Rev. Eugene Klein as concelebrants. Burial was in the St. Joseph's cemetery, Earling, with Paul Kramer, Richard Kramer, Larry Klein, Neil Kwapiszeski, Ronald Kramer and Joseph P. Kramer all serving as casketbearers. Pauley Funeral home in Harlan was in charge of arrangements.