Steven Ray de Kramer

Our dad didn’t want a traditional obituary. He thought it should say “I was born, i lived, I died” we as his children are overriding those wishes because now the ball is in our court.

Our dad was a man not always easy to get to know. He suffered no fools. He liked rules and order. If you met him in passing perhaps you met a stoic, quiet, reserved man. We knew better.

We knew a man who loved his family unconditionally. Had a heart for conservation and marveled at the majesty of nature. And the bounty it provided at the local buffet. He treated a select few of our friends as his own- you know who you are. A man who loved his friends in the same way. In a time before instant connection he maintained his own friendships over decades and across miles and nicknames, showing us the value of loyalty throughout one’s life. He had an affinity for cats and toddlers and a select few well behaved dogs.
If you knew him well you remember his belly laugh. There was nothing better than dad throwing back his head dropping his jaw and laughing out loud. An expression of true joy that few got to experience.

His faith was his center. A faith that he practiced daily him and comforted him throughout his life. His faith was the bedrock that along with his dance partner supported him through a myriad of health challenges.

We know a man who was funny, intelligent , legendarily impatient and in his own words always found himself in the wrong lane! Well dad we beg to differ: maybe you weren’t always in the lane you wanted. Maybe the traffic was too slow, the line too long, or the world simply wasn't moving at the pace you thought it ought to. We know you had a few things to say about that. But when it came to the things that truly mattered you were always in the right lane. You were steadfast. You were stalwart. You were a man who stood by his commitments and the people he loved and taught us to do the same.

You were a devoted husband to our mother Marcia. A loving father to us, Kelly, Amy and Kristoff (Lori) and proud grandfather to Abbie and Josh. You were a brother to Kay (Paul) uncle, cousin and friend. Your family knew your strength, your convictions , your humor and yes your impatience. Your friends knew a man they could count on.

You are loved beyond measure and you will be missed more than words can say and we know this is already many more words than you wanted. We apologize for being verbose but we are also Marcia’s children.

Services:

A Memorial Service will be held at 12:00 PM Thursday, 10/22/26, in Westford United Methodist Church, 2031 Westford Rd. Westford, PA, with Rev. Dan Miller, Pastor of the church, officiating. Military Honors will be rendered at the conclusion of the service. All in attendance are invited to join with the family for a luncheon in the church social space immediately following services. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to: Westford United Methodist Church, PO Box 36 Westford, PA 16134, or Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301 Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Loutzenhiser-Randall Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 416 Liberty St. Jamestown.