Samuel Kramer
January 10, 1924 ~ May 31, 2015
Samuel Kramer age 91 of Waterloo, IA died Sunday, May 31, 2015, at Linn Haven Rehab and Healthcare in New Hampton.
Graveside services will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 2, 2015, at the New Hampton City Cemetery with Lay - Leader Erin Maidan presiding. Hugeback - Johnson Funeral Home in New Hampton is in charge of arrangements. 641-394-4334
Samuel Kramer was born January 10, 1924, in New Hampton, Iowa, the son of Ben and Ida (Margolis) Kramer. He attended school in New Hampton and graduated from New Hampton High School in 1941. Sam won a State High School Championship in Wrestling at 129 pounds.
Sam entered the Navy in 1941 and went to Flight School and received his wings in Pensacola, Florida in 1943. After receiving his wings, he was assigned on a Carrier and flew the TBM Avenger Torpedo Bomber.
After his service, Sam attended the University of Minnesota in 1946. He wrestled for the Golden Gophers and placed second in the big ten tournament in 1946. He then qualified to the NCAA Wrestling Tournament held at Oklahoma State University.
Sam then went to California where he purchased a retail Liquor Store. He worked in the liquor business until 1987. He then pursued his Broker's Real Estate License and remained in the Real Estate Business until 2008. Upon his retirement, Sam moved to Waterloo in November of 2008. Sam enjoyed playing golf and watching all types of sports. Sam was a member of the American Legion.
Sam is survived by a son, Samuel L. Kramer of Elma, IA.
He was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers, twin brother Harold, Benj, Yale, Pinky, Mayor, and Mandel Kramer; three sisters, Pearl Raffino, Anna McCarthy, and Hazel Kramer
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Richard Pint – Waterloo, Iowa I met Sam various times riding the VA van down to the VA hospital in Iowa city. I was in the navy also, years later than Sam. We talked airplanes a lot, I was in aviation, also. Saw him down at ‘Bridges’, where he lived, various times. He loved to play pool. We e-mailed each other frequently. He was a nice guy and I enjoyed him.
Scott Hagedorn purchased the Arrive in Style for the family of Samuel Kramer.
He was a great man I met him while working at Bridges, Sam was great to talk to and a great friend who would listen and give you insight from his past. He loved his planes and his wrestling, I would come up to his room to help him with his computer or anything else I could do and in return I would get a slice of pie and a story about his past as a navy pilot and his days in the navy. I am really very sad that he passed I will miss him very much and his family have my condolences. I will miss you Sam you were a great friend. -Scott H.
I am happy to call Sam My Friend. He was a truly good man, and I also enjoyed our conversations.He was proud of his Navy time and his wrestling accomplishments. He liked his root beer barrels hard candy and burritos from taco bell. I will miss him.. But I will have good memories.