William Darrell Kramer, 96, of Ottumwa, passed away on February 14, 2025 at home.
Bill, otherwise known as “Coach” to Ottumwa residents, was born June 27, 1927 in Eldora, IA to Joesph and Nellie Megan Kramer.
A graduate of Eldora High School in 1946, he served with the 1st Calvary division in the occupation forces in Japan after World War II. While serving, he played on championship football & softball teams to entertain the occupying troops. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Arts Degree and later a Masters’ degree from the University of Iowa. While studying at Notre Dame, Bill played football for the 1949 Notre Dame undefeated National Champions. He was always proud to say that while he never got to play in a game, he was tackled in practice by some great All Americans.
Bill was a coach and educator for 38 years. His first teaching and coaching job was at Moorland, IA. While teaching Science, Social Studies and coaching football at Ottumwa High School, Bill coached some great Walsh High School basketball teams and then went on to coach some great Ottumwa High School basketball teams. During his coaching career, he coached girls and boys basketball, track, baseball, wrestling, golf & football. He was one of the proud football coaches of the 1963 state football champions. Bill was inducted into the Iowa High School Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame in 1986.
He was a member of St. Mary of the Visitation, the 3rd and 4th degree Knights of Columbus Council #888 General McMullen Assembly, B.P.O. Elks Lodge #347, Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #114, Wapello County Retired School Personnel, Ottumwa Chamber of Commerce Ambassador’s Club, O.B. Nelson Post #3 American Legion and Ottumwa Bowling Association. In his retirement, he enjoyed playing golf, bowling, attending his grandchildren’s events and following the Iowa Hawkeyes and Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
Bill was married to Barbara Watson Kramer and they had six children. They later divorced. Bill later married Joyce McConville Warren and they were blessed to have 38 wonderful years together.
Surviving is his wife, Joyce; his three daughters, Denise Kramer and Cheryl Kramer both of Minneapolis, MN, Elaine Kramer (Shawn Clark) of Des Moines, his two sons, Bill Kramer Jr. of New Providence, IA and Bob (Jane) Kramer of Ottumwa; 10 proud grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren; along with Joyce’s 5 children, 15 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, John Patrick Kramer; a sister, Katherine (Val) Hilsabeck; a brother, Joe (Ann) Kramer and a grandson, Robbie.
Visitation will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, March 2nd at Reece Funeral Home. A Christian Wake Service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday March 2nd at the funeral home followed by visitation with the family present to greet friends until 4 p.m. Sunday.
Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, March 3rd at St. Mary of the Visitation. Cremation will follow the mass.
Inurnment will be in Calvary Cemetery with military honors conducted by O.B. Nelson Post #3 American Legion and Walter B. Schafer Post #775 Veterans of Foreign Wars.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary of the Visitation or to the Ottumwa A-Club.
