Arlene Kramer, age 83, of West Fargo, formerly of Kensal, ND, died Friday, March 24, 2017, at Sheyenne Crossings, West Fargo.

Arlene Jane Gums was born September 3, 1933, in Medina, ND, the daughter of Christ and Elizabeth (Heiser) Gums. She was raised in Medina and graduated from Medina High School. Upon graduation, Arlene continued her education to become a Registered Nurse, attending Sisters of St. Michael's School of Nursing in Grand Forks. She received the Campbell Award for being the top student in her class.

On December 28, 1955, Arlene was united in marriage to Bernard Kramer at St. James Basilica in Jamestown, ND. Arlene and Bernard were blessed with seven wonderful children. Her children were her life. She put them first and her own needs last. Arlene was a homemaker and enjoyed many crafts including sewing, ceramics and cross stitching.

While her children were young, Arlene was at home during the day and worked night shifts at the hospital in Carrington for a few years before working at Golden Acres Nursing Home in Carrington. She was an RN for over twenty years there dedicating her care to the elderly. Arlene attempted to retire multiple times from nursing, but in her later years she would be drawn back to Golden Acres for shifts needing to be covered, even filling in as temporary Director of Nurses.

Arlene enjoyed life to the fullest, she was active in St. John’s Catholic Church serving as a member of the Altar Society, a Mass Reader and a board member of the St. John’s Catholic Cemetery. She loved to travel, having visited all 50 states, including a seven week trip that she and Bernard had enjoyed in Alaska. Arlene was so proud of her last big adventure in 2016, when she and all of her children went on a cruise together.

She was very proud of her family, she loved to spend time with children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Family was the base of her joy whether they were at home on the farm or out on an adventure. They brought all the joy in the world to her. 

She is survived by her loving son, David (Colleen) Kramer, Kensal; six daughters, Susan Kramer, Diane (Randy “Spark”) Rambousek, both of Bismarck, ND, Kathleen (Todd) Peterson, Tyler, MN, Teresa (Scott) Stromsodt, Bismarck, ND, Sandra (Darwin) Duval, Horace, ND, Patricia Kramer, Fargo, ND; six grandchildren: Lindsey (Kramer) Hunt, Jordan Kramer, Nicholas Stromsodt, Eric Stromsodt, Elise (Peterson) Bonilla and Ethan Duval; four great-grandchildren: Addison, Kierstyn, Mareli and  Brenden; one sister Leona Daede of Jamestown and Dorothy Schaffer, cherished friend.

Arlene was preceded in death by her husband Bernard Kramer; granddaughter Lauren; great-grandson William; four siblings, Viola Carlson, Vernon Gums, Joyce Olson and Christ Gums Jr.

ROSARY & VIGIL SERVICE:

Monday (March 27th) Rosary at 6:46PM, Vigil Service at 7PM, St. John's Catholic Church, Kensal

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL:

St. John's Catholic Church, Kensal, ND

DATE AND TIME:

Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 10:30AM

BURIAL:

St. John's Catholic Cemetery, Kensal