William Paul (Bill) Kramer
May 2, 1943 – February 26, 2015
On Thursday February 26th, 2015, Bill Kramer missing his soul mate Dorothy so much, joined her in Heaven.
Bill was born and raised in Medina, graduating from Buckeye High School in 1961. He was an outstanding athlete, lettering in football, baseball, basketball and track and was the quarterback and captain of the 1960 record holding football team. Many of his sports records still stand at Buckeye to this day. After high school he attended Ohio State University, where he became an enormous OSU Buckeye fan, which continued his whole life. After college he was introduced to Dorothy. He fell in love with her at first sight and actually proposed on their first date! She thought he was crazy, but six weeks later they eloped and were married for 48 years until Dorothy’s passing in 2011. They were truly soul mates! Bill was not only and incredible athlete but he became an amazing coach also. He was an outstanding volunteer for the youth of Medina. He coached girls softball for 10 years, boys baseball for 10+ years and Medina Youth Football for well over 20 years leading the Colts to numerous undefeated championship seasons. He truly touched the hearts of numerous Medina youth, helping them to grow not only as athletes but also as people. Bill was a completely devoted family man.
He and Dorothy had two children together, Leslie (Moe) Willoughby and John (Michelle) Kramer. He coached all of their athletic teams, supported all of their interests and made sure he attended every concert, play, game or recital they ever had. He did the same thing for all of his grandchildren, Cody, Tyler, Sierra, Brayden and David, going so far as to assist their parents as coaches and even attending Cody and Tyler’s rock bands concerts on numerous occasions! Bill was also an avid golfer, playing as often as possible and loving his regular Sunday foursome with his brother, son and son-in-law. He worked as a lumber broker for Empire Wholesale Lumber Company for over 44 years until he retired in 2012. During a conversation between his wife and daughter it was said that “Anyone who has ever met Dad (Bill) liked him!” He never had an unkind, mean, cruel, or profane word come out of his mouth about anyone. He was the true definition of a gentleman and embodied the word class.
Bill was preceded in death by his father, William; mother, Florence and dear wife of 48 years, Dorothy.
He is survived by his children, Leslie (Moe) Willoughby, John (Michelle) Kramer and grandchildren, Cody and Tyler Willoughby, Sierra, Brayden and David Kramer, adopted granddaughters, Sarah Shank and Katie Kennedy; brothers, Keith (Isel) Kramer, Bob (Carolyn) Kramer, Randy (Maryanna) Kramer; sisters, Karen Simonson, Coni (Jim) Loving, Linda Pitz, Kathy (Ron) Davis and Susan Bailey; numerous nieces and nephews and thousands of Medina families who were touched by his coaching, his kindness and generosity.
It was recently said by one of Bill’s high school friends “If you can’t get along with Bill Kramer, then there is something wrong with you!” He was honestly one of the greatest men that has ever walked on this Earth.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 7, 2015 beginning at 2 P.M., at Waite and Son’s Funeral Home, 765 N. Court St., Medina, which will be open to all who would like to pay their respects and followed by a reception for family and close friends at the family’s home directly after.
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