Frank Kramr

Frank Kramr’s life was defined by the immense value that he placed on relationships. Frank was a loving husband, dedicated father, gentle grand(and great grand)father, kind older brother, reliable son, caring friend, and committed community member. Frank’s life was marked by faith, service, joy, self-sacrifice, and, as often as possible, chicken fried deer steak, fried squash, and homemade lemon meringue pie. Frank’s final moments were beautifully colored by innumerable visits from loved ones and time in prayer. 

Frank August Kramr was a lifelong resident of East Bernard – the home of both his farming career and favorite high school football team, the Brahmas. He was born to Bessie (Hlozek) Kramr and Edmund Kramr on August 18, 1933. He was a proud grandson of immigrants who arrived in Texas from what was, at the time, Czechoslovakia. Frank and his five younger siblings regularly spoke Czech in the family home, a tradition that Frank passed on to his kids and grandkids through seemingly random slips into the Slavic language (although it remains to be seen if any of those lessons actually stuck). 

Frank’s love of high school football started with him playing on both sides of the ball at E.B. High. After his own time on the field, Frank would go on to become one of the most committed Brahma fans East Bernard had ever seen. Whether rain or shine, home or away, if there was a way for Frank to get into the stands, he was watching the Brahmas under the Friday night lights.

After graduating high school early, Frank was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1954, where he served as a radar repairman for two years. Once honorably discharged, he returned to East Bernard to begin work on the then 450-acre Kramr family farm with his dad and brother. The family cultivated corn, cotton, and milo, eventually causing its blossoming to 4000 acres and leading to Frank being named Wharton County’s Man of the Year in Agriculture in 1999. 

 In the midst of long days on the farm, Frank met a beautiful brunette named Evelyn Macek at a dance in Plainview. This brunette would soon become his loving wife, Evelyn Kramr. The two fell in love and were married at Holy Cross Catholic Church in 1960. Frank and Evelyn’s marriage was not only marked by their 63-year commitment to each other, but also by their undying love of their three daughters, shared affinity for polka music and dancing, and passion for travel and seeing new places. 

 Frank adored his three daughters, Debra, Pamela, and Sarah. Each daughter shared a special relationship with their dad and has spent the final months of his life by his side, ensuring his comfort and affirming him of their love for and appreciation of him. Their dedication to him throughout his life, whether after the farming accident resulting in the loss of his leg in 1969 or in his final days, is testament to the love and commitment to service ever-present throughout the Kramr family. 

Frank’s commitment to service, however, has always extended beyond just his family. Frank was committed to his community and always made it a priority to give the gift of time in service to others. He was a proud Catholic and parishioner of Holy Cross: his love for his Catholic faith led him to serve as one of the first Eucharistic ministers under Mgr. Kukral, a Knight of Columbus, parish councilman, and two-term president of the KJT society. His passion for agriculture and the outdoors led him to a twenty-seven-year-long membership on the Wharton County Soil and Water Conservation Board. His appreciation for education led him to serve on the EBISD school board and as a member of the Brahma Booster Club. Frank was a deeply rooted, service-oriented community member, always working to make time for anyone in need. 

When Frank wasn’t serving in a more official capacity, he was making time to do things he loved with and for those he loved. Whether holding almost daily “court” at East Bernard Implement to chat (or gripe with) his farming friends over coffee, sitting around the campfire telling stories at deer camp, or dutifully riding his green John Deere mower to keep he and Evelyn’s yard in pristine condition, Frank was living a life in service of God and those around him. His grandkids recall the family tradition of vařila (pronounced “va-ghee-la”), by which, depending on which grandkid you asked, either Pepop, Pepaw, or Grandpa would gently take their hand and recite the traditional Czech rhyme, always culminating in tickles and boisterous laughter. His friends and other family members recall his quick wit and genuine interest in their thoughts and stories. 

Frank’s faith, wisdom, and gentleness will undoubtedly be carried on by those touched by his life. He is survived by his caring wife, three daughters, six grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and countless joyful friends, serving neighbors, and kind community members. Until his last breath on July 30, 2024, Frank was sharing God’s love with others and was showered with it in return. Surrounded by loved ones that morning, Frank peacefully took his last breath with Daniel O’Donnell’s “Let it Be” playing in the background.

 Let it be, let it be…there will be an answer, let it be.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, starting at 5 p.m. with a Holy Rosary at 6:30 p.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church in East Bernard, TX. A Funeral Mass will be Celebrated on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church with Father Charles Ostiwah officiating. A Rite of Burial and Committal will follow at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery.

 Funeral Services are under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at whartonfuneralhome.com.