Fred W. Cramer

Fred W. Cramer, age 96, of Audubon, Iowa and formerly of Newell, Iowa, died Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at Friendship Home in Audubon. Services for Mr. Cramer will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2009 at the United Methodist Church in Newell. Burial will be in the Newell Cemetery. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Newell is in charge of the arrangements. Fred William Cramer was born October 22, 1912 at Lytton, Iowa, the son of Fred P. and Anna (Hansen) Cramer. He received his early education in the Lytton schools before attending high school in Lake View, Iowa. On June 15, 1941, Fred was united in marriage to Pauline Kelly in Early, Iowa. The couple was blessed with two children, Bill and Martha. Fred farmed in the Sac City, Lytton and Newell areas and operated a custom corn shelling business for many years. He loved the land, the work he did, and the many fine people he met that became his friends. Upon his retirement from farming at age 67, Fred and Pauline moved into Newell, where Fred cared for the city park for the next 12 years. In 2005, Fred and Pauline moved to Audubon to be closer to family. Fred was a member of the United Methodist Church in Newell and served on many church committees. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed a good game of cards. He loved to go dancing with Pauline. Fred was known for his â€œcowboy coffeeâ€ and enjoyed sharing a cup with his many friends. He was involved with the Danish Brotherhood and was a member of the Lions Club. He and Pauline liked to travel, and Fred especially enjoyed fishing trips to Minnesota. Always, Fredâ€™s family was most important to him and he treasured the time he spent with his wife and children. In his later years, his grandchildren held a special place in his heart. He will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him. Left to cherish his memory are his son, Bill (Kathy) Cramer of Audubon; his daughter, Marty (Chuck) Petzoldt of Mason City, Iowa; grandchildren: Brian (Sherri) Cramer and children, Jessica, Caleb and Olivia of Creston, Iowa; Bradley (Natalie) Cramer and son, Kaden, of Graham, Washington; and Kelli (fiance Eric Flaherty) Petzoldt and son, Brayden, of Mason City, Iowa; extended family and many friends. Fred was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 67 years, Pauline; his brothers, Pete and Karl; and his sister, Freda Heecht.