SR0682 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0682 LRB103 36237 LAW 66332 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Henry E. "Woody" Kramer, who passed away on December 12, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Woody Kramer was born to Mary Rosetta (Roedl) and Henry A. Kramer in Altamont on May 19, 1941; he graduated from Villa Grove High School in 1959; he attended Springfield Junior College for two years before transferring to the University of Illinois, earning a degree in English and History in 1962; he married Mary Alice Strassburger on January 25, 1964; he graduated from the University of Illinois College of Law in 1965; and

WHEREAS, Woody Kramer became a partner at the law firm of Brainard, Bower & Kramer law in Charleston, where he practiced law for nearly 50 years; and

WHEREAS, Woody Kramer was an active member of the St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Charleston; he belonged to several organizations, including as a 4th Degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus, a founding member of the Charleston Area Charitable Foundation, and a member of the Charleston Area Economic Development Board, the Coles Together Board, the Coles County 708 Board, and the Charleston Parks and Recreation Board; and

WHEREAS, Woody Kramer adored his wife, children, and grandchildren; he loved mushroom hunting, following the St. Louis Cardinals and University of Illinois sports, telling stories about a pair of make-believe deer named Deenie & Donnie, golfing, gardening, storm chasing, and watching sunsets; and

WHEREAS, Woody Kramer was known, loved, and respected by many; he never knew a stranger and made friends wherever he went; he will be remembered for his loving kindness, his generosity, and for always having time for everyone he met; and

WHEREAS, Woody Kramer was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Bernie Kramer, Peggy Blanchard, Anita Brazzell, and Denise Hassan; and

WHEREAS, Woody Kramer is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary Alice Kramer; his children, Liane Foerder, Alice (Mike) Dutler, Kevin Kramer, Letha (Lisa Watkins) Kramer, Ellen (Bryan) Ericson, and Lauren (Ryan Anderson) Kramer; his grandchildren, Stephanie (Dustin) Gay, Becca Foerder, Lexi Foerder, Christian Dutler, Matthew Dutler, Abby Dutler, Livia Kramer, Henry Kramer, Griffin Kramer, Hannah Ericson, Owen Ericson, Charlotte Kramer-Watkins, and Isaac Kramer-Watkins; and his siblings, Barbara Legner, Tony Kramer, Mary (Peggy Johnston) Parker, Anicia Kramer, and Cami (Steve) Pisklak; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Henry E. "Woody" Kramer and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Woody Kramer as an expression of our deepest sympathy.