Donald George Kramer, 81, of Owatonna, died Monday, February 1, 2016 at Three Links Care Center, Northfield. He was born December 19, 1934 in Winona the son of Floyd and Gladys (Stephan) Kramer. Donald graduated from Winona High School with the Class of 1952. Following his service with the National Guard, he later served in the US Army from 1957-1959. Donald married Joan Veraguth February 27, 1960 at St. Michael's Lutheran Church in Fountain City, WI. The couple lived in Winona, Aberdeen, SD, and Rochester while Don was employed with Tradehome Shoes. He continued his career with a move to Owatonna to manage the local store in the Cedar Mall. After 35 years working for Trade home he retired in 1994. Soon thereafter he decided to reenter the workforce selling furniture for 9 years. In 2003 he started his second retirement. Don was a member of Emmanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church where he served on the planning committee. He was an active member of Senior Place where he enjoyed making jewelry, wood carving and painting. He served on the Board of Directors of the Cedar Mall and was a 4-H leader. His love for reading went beyond his own enjoyment in that he wrote and published two children's books. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Joan Kramer of Owatonna; sons, Scott Kramer of Gold Canyon, AZ, Michael (and Erin) Kramer of Waconia, Kevin (and Lori) Kramer of Plymouth, Brian (and Julie) Kramer of Coon Rapids; grandchildren, Fritz, Hans, Adam, Leah; brother, Leslie (and Donna) Kramer of Winona; sister-in-law, Jean (and Fran) Dzwonkowski of Winona and 3 nephews and 1 niece. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Sunday from 1pm to 4pm and at Emmanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church on Monday from 9:30am to 10:30am. Funeral services will be held Monday, February 8, 2016 at 10:30am at Emmanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church with the Reverend Thomas Smith officiating. Interment will be in the Ft. Snelling National Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Steele County Military Funeral Unit. Visitation: 02/07/2016 13:00 02/07/2016 16:00 Service: and one hour prior to the service at the church 02/08/2016 10:30