Michael William Kramer

Michael “Mike” Kramer, 82 of Puyallup, Washington passed away on September 16, 2024, in Tacoma, Washington. Born on September 14, 1942, to Paul and Belma Kramer (later Aspholm)
in their home in Auburn, Washington. He grew up in Auburn, graduating from Auburn High School in 1960. He played basketball, football and ran track. He later went on to Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington, graduating from the teacher’s college in 1968.  He taught 6th grade at Auburn’s Lea Hill Elementary School in the 70’s and later went on to work as Vice Principal at James David Zellerback Middle School in Camas, Washington in the 80’s and into the 90’s.

In his latter years he worked as an equipment operator in the local paper mill in Bellingham, Washington.  He resided for many years in the Bellingham and Maple Falls area with his wife Sandra (McGirr) who passed away in 2014.  After Sandra’s death he was heavily involved with the Mt. Baker Lions Club located near his residence in Maple Falls, Washington. He also attended and was involved with the Kendall Chapel known for their “Cathedral of Trees” park.

He was an avid sports lover, following the Huskies, Cougars, and all the national Washington state teams.  Also, NASCAR and sprint car racing.  In his last years he became an honorary crew member for a local junior sprint team at the Deming Speedway. He loved his dirt races.  In 2021 Mike returned to the Auburn area and reconnected with family.

He was preceded in death by his father Paul Kramer; mother Belma Aspholm (Coleman); and brother Theodore “Ted” Kramer. Mike is survived by his daughters from his first marriage Kathy (Paul) Welsh and their 2 children, Kerie (Aaron) Swepston and their 2 children and grandchildren; sister Karen (Gordy) Struve; and his stepdaughter from his last marriage, Kelly (John) Weber and her children and grandchildren.

A celebration of life memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Mike’s church, Victory Fellowship, 610 8th St NE. Auburn, Washington near his boyhood home.  Friends and family please join us where we can gather to honor his memory. The family suggests donations to Auburn Valley Humane Society as we all know how he loved his furry best friends.