Pawnee — David Eugene Kramer, 73, of Pawnee, Illinois, passed away at his home on Sunday, March 3, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was born Aug. 7, 1950, in Batesville, Indiana, the son of Leonard F. and Agnes J. Artmeier Kramer. David married Cynthia S. Dalton on July 9, 1976, in Springfield, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Bryan Kramer, in 1995; a brother-in-law, Bernard Jetter; nephews, Jeremey Witkemper and Michael Catteau Jr.; and a niece, Stephanie (Witkemper) Sester.

David graduated from Greensburg High School in 1968. After high school, he attended Purdue University and graduated in 1972 with a bachelor's degree in agricultural engineering. He continued his education at South Dakota State University, where he graduated in December 1973 with a master's degree in agricultural engineering. He later obtained his professional engineer certification.

He first worked for Claude H. Hurley Co. in Elmhurst, Illinois, as a geotechnical engineer. Upon relocating to Pawnee, he worked for the state of Illinois for various agencies for over 30 years, retiring in 2007 from the Department of Economic and Consumer Affairs. After retiring from the state, he was employed with several engineering firms in northern and central Illinois.

He enjoyed bird watching, canoeing and collecting coins, and shared these hobbies with his grandchildren. He was a prolific blood donor for the Central Illinois Community Blood Center, amassing nearly 10 gallons for the benefit of others. Additionally, he was a past member of the Pawnee Lions Club and was a summer coach for Pawnee youth baseball and softball teams. When his children were younger, he could be found at all the sporting events, either being a spectator or assisting where needed. Thanks to technology, he was able to watch his oldest grandson's football team win the Wisconsin High School state championship this past fall.

He was raised a Cincinnati Bengals and Reds fan, but as he grew older, he developed a love for the Green Bay Packers. He shared his love of the Packers with his grandkids by taking all of them to a game at Lambeau Field in 2017.

David is survived by his wife, Cynthia Kramer, of Pawnee; one son, Christoper (Rebecca) Dalton, of Pawnee; two daughters, Anne (Nat) Seiz of Pawnee and Jennifer (Ricky) Reuchlen of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin; eight grandchildren, Andrew and Theodore Reuchlen, Christian "Chase" Dalton, Lucas, Xavier "X-man", Abigail Seiz, and Kameron (fiancée, Rick Hollinshead) and Angelina Fiandaca; six sisters; Martha Jetter, Karen Afterkirk and Marijo (Walter) Trissler, all of Indianapolis, Barbara (Dan) Garteman of Batesville, Indiana, Priscilla Kramer of Greensburg, Indiana, and Ellen (Rich) Witkemper of Columbus, Indiana; one brother, Paul Kramer, of Greensburg, Indiana; sisters-in-law, Melinda (Michael Sr.) Catteau of Pawnee and Debra (Roland) Eckert of Libertyville, Illinois; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

David's family will meet friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, March 8, 2024, at Curry Funeral Home in Pawnee. A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Auburn, with Rev. James Palakudy officiating. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Pawnee.

Memorial contributions may be made to Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, P.O. Box 2547, Springfield, IL 62708.

Curry Funeral Home in Pawnee is serving the family of David Kramer. Online condolences may be expressed at www.curryfh.com.