Donna F. Kramer

Donna Kramer, 87, died peacefully on October 3, 2023, at Good Samaritan Society Augusta Place Senior Living Center in Bismarck.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM, Sunday, October 8, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck.

Donna Faye Fiedler was born on July 12, 1936 (one of the hottest summers on record) on a farm near Mott to parents Wilhelm “Bill” and Elsie (Schaible) Fiedler. She grew up on her parents’ farm and at their home in West Mott and was baptized and confirmed at Zoar Congregational Church (where her German from Russia immigrant grandparents were founding members). Donna helped her mother with household chores and took care of her younger siblings. In her teens, she worked as an usher at the Playhouse Theater. Graduating from Mott Lincoln High School in 1954, Donna completed business college in Rapid City, moved to San Diego, CA with friends to live and work (and enjoy the sunshine) and then came back to North Dakota in 1958 to marry her high school sweetheart Charles Kramer. Donna and Charles first lived in Moorhead, MN while Charles completed his degree at Concordia College, and moved to Stanley in August 1959.

During her time in Stanley, Donna worked as a bookkeeper at Mountrail County Bethel Home and Stanley Community Hospital and was an eligibility worker at Mountrail County Social Services. She was actively involved in the Jaycees, bridge club, homemakers club, and Sybil McDonald Music Club, and was a proud supporter of her children’s activities and accomplishments in sports, music, and academics. A member of the American Lutheran Church, Donna taught Sunday School classes and led women’s Circle groups. Donna and Charles took many vacation trips with their children, exploring the natural beauty and history of the Dakotas, Montana, Wyoming, and Canada. They also spent many summer weekends camping on the shores of Lake Sakakawea and traveled often to visit family in Mott.

After moving to Bismarck in 1985, Donna worked for various businesses and agencies in the community including several years at the Bismarck Convention and Visitors Bureau. She was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and volunteered time with local literacy and history groups.

An excellent cook and baker, Donna also enjoyed sewing and crafts, visiting with friends and classmates, traveling, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. In the last years of her life, she loved watching old movies and sharing memories with the Augusta Place staff.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, sister Mary (Fiedler) Schneider and brother Jim Fiedler, ex-husband Charles Kramer, and bonus grandson Joshua Romans.

She is survived by children Jon Kramer and Suzie Kramer-Brenna, Bismarck, and Joel Kramer and daughter-in-law Olivia, Rio Rico, AZ; grandchildren Lara, Alexis, and Kaeleb; sisters-in law, nieces and nephews, and Fiedler and Schaible cousins.

In lieu of flowers, family prefers that memorials be made to the Hettinger County Historical Society, 21 Main St, Regent, ND, 58650.