Eric Wilfred Kramer
February 18th, 2012
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.
Messages:
I remember Uncle Eric as being a kind and gentle man; he was a quiet person with great dignity. I always enjoyed my times with him, whether it was a visit he made to my home or whether it was when I visited Regina for birthday parties, card games, buffet dinners and brunches and Christmas dinners. My deepest condolences to Aunt Edna, Brian, Wendy and family.
As I grew up with Brian and lived in the Serath area I interacted with Eric many times. I recall many times of curling with Eric as a kid at the Serath Curling Club. He always encouraged you and never talked down to you as a young person. He was a true gentleman and a pioneer of the Serath area. I especially admired his family and Cooperative values. Deepest sympathy to Edna, Brian, Wendy and family.
I was lucky to grow up on the farm, just a few miles from Uncle Eric's, and to have him and Aunt Edna as my God parents. They had a strong Christian faith, that was felt by those around them. Uncle Eric was always so kind and gentle. I've been wondering if he ever even got upset with the cattle! I send my love and sympathy to Aunt Edna,Brian,Wendy,Greg and Katherine.
I worked with Erick when he was SWP Delegate. He helped me a lot and was a joy to work with. He had a great smile, real respect for people and demonstrated that we each can make a better world through our actions. Thanks Erick for the good times. My condolences to Edna and the family.
Although we lived relatively close by it was not until my adult years that I really came to know Eric through his involvement in politics, farm organizations and other worthy causes. I have many fond memories of Eric. He was such a great role model, steadfast in his beliefs and genuine in his intentions. Eric's life was truly a life well lived. My condolences go out to Edna, Brian, Wendy, Greg and Katherine.