Lynn Handel Kramer
Lynn Kramer, 93, of Helena died on Friday, January 13th, a few days after contracting viral pneumonia. A celebration of her life will be held at Touchmark on Saddle Drive, Tuesday, January 31st at 3:30 pm. A brief ceremony will be followed by toasting with her favorite drink, lime margaritas, enjoying hors d’oeuvres, and sharing fond memories.
Lynn was born May 12, 1923, in Roundup, Montana, to George Handel and Marjorie Wright Handel. She was born into a wealthy family, but suffered during the depression, seeing her parents’ divorce and the family resources slip away. She often was forced to take care of herself without her mother and younger sister, living as a child with her grandmother and then in a foster home throughout high school. This sink-or-swim start to life taught her to be strong, independent and resourceful, qualities she carried throughout her days.
Lynn graduated from high school in Sheridan, MT. Further educated as a lab and X-ray technician, she worked herself through Montana State College (now UM), the Northwest Institute of Medical Technology in Minneapolis, MN, and the St. Louis X-Ray Institute, graduating near the end of World War II. She enjoyed a career as a medical technician for over 30 years for various doctors, dentists, optometrists, and medical clinics in Helena.
She married the man of her dreams, George Anthony Kramer, in 1947, and had three children. The first daughter was born nine months and one week after they were married, and the second arrived so quickly that people assumed the girls were twins. Seven years later, they welcomed a son. It’s no secret that these were three (glorious) surprises, but Lynn and George were more than up to the challenge. All three kids turned out splendidly, even learning to write a proper obituary under stress.
Lynn endured a period of tragedy when she lost the three people who had defined her life to that point. In 1986, she lost her mother, 88-year-old Marjorie Wright Fall, to whom she and her sister were devoted. Twenty-one months later, when he was only 63, her cherished husband George tragically died of heart failure borne of juvenile diabetes. Lynn was extremely close to her sister Jean, who likewise died four years later of cancer, also at a young 63. Lynn persevered through this second exceptionally tough time in her life, remaining in the family home on Grant Street until turning 90. She was bright, independent and ultra-competent to the end.
An avid bridge player, Lynn was a member of several bridge clubs, one of which faithfully played monthly games for over 50 years. Of the 12 original members, she was the last survivor. Lynn also loved to walk, hike and explore throughout her life. Even in her 90s, she wore a pedometer and gleefully reported pushing her walker over three miles at a time. She had a reputation for walking with the straight posture of someone of regal bearing, with her eyes sparkling. Never one to just sit around, Lynn was a voracious reader. She kept a detailed record of books she had read, filling several notebooks.
If we may eulogize briefly in an obituary, her three kids would like to note that Lynn was unfailingly generous, keenly interested, optimistically supportive, adventurous, witty and tireless. She was a clothes horse who liked to horse around. She was highly social and cared deeply about her friends and their families. She was self-effacing to a fault, but her own person through and through. And she was our Mom. We were lucky, and we profoundly miss her.
She is survived by daughters Cindy (JC) Weingartner of Helena and Kris (Warren) Childers of Charlotte, NC, and son Kip (Sue Holton) of Las Vegas, NV. She leaves two grandchildren, Brant Weingartner of Dallas, TX and Ty (Krisha) Weingartner of Helena, and two great-grandchildren, Taylor and John Tyson Weingartner.
The family thanks the staff and all her many friends at Touchmark who made her final years enjoyable, safe, and fulfilling. We wish to especially mention her dear friend and neighbor, Lois Hughes, whose steady friendship and bright spirit helped keep our mother young at heart. .
A service celebrating Lynn’s life will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 31st at Touchmark, 915 Saddle Dr. in Helena. A reception will follow the service in the social hall at Touchmark. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Fund.
Ken and Brenda Price says
To all of your family, Brenda and I send our deepest sympathy. It is always hard to loose a parent no matter how long your have had them in your life. We think of you during these times and send you big hugs.
Darlene Taylor says
May God comfort you & strengthen you at this difficult time. We know the pain you feel . Your heart will forever keep the wonderful memories you have shared together. Talk about all the good times & that will help. She was admired & loved by many.
Terry & Darlene Taylor
Eve says
Please accept my deepest condolences for the loss of your dear loved one, Lynn. May Jehovah the God of comfort (Psalms 83:18, Psalms 65:2), hear your prayers and give you the strength you need during this time.
Eve
Joanie Weed and Bob Knudson says
Lynn and family were our next door neighbors for many years. Our parents spent time together and hours visiting “across the fence.” Lynn often checked on our mother when we asked for her help. We are so sorry to hear of her passing.
Bob and I extend our heartfelt sympathy to you all. May you find strength and peace through your faith, family, and friends. God bless you.
Joanie Knudson Weed and Bob Knudson
Carol Dolan says
I worked with Lynn at the Helena Medical Clinic many years ago. She was quite a lady. Prayers to you and your families — I know you will miss her.
Carol Dolan
Jody Sandru says
Throughout my youth I frequently solicited at the Kramer house. No matter what I was selling, Mrs. Kramer supported my cause. She would always invite me in, and was my only customer who always served me refreshments. I will always remember her beauty, graciousness, and support. We were so lucky to grow up in our neighborhood surrounded by amazing parents. Thinking of you all with love at this fragile time. Jody Stromberg Sandru
John & Cherie Dahl says
I hadn’t seen Lynn for a number of years but her late husband George enlisted me in the Montana National Guard at their home on Grant St. June 4, 1962 and was my first commanding officer. Our sympathies go out to the family.