John Arthur Kramer was born on June 13, 1965 in St. Louis, MO and passed away January 11, 2025 at the age of 59 years at his home in Munster, IN.
As a youngster living in St. Louis County, from grade school through high school, John played piano at church and for programs at school. He sang in elite choirs throughout those years and acted/sang in several musicals, in addition to singing at weddings and private events. He was a Happy Tapper Clogger performing around St. Louis and traveling to various states. After graduating from The Visual & Performing Arts High School in St. Louis, he attended University of Missouri-KC with emphasis on dance. Returning home to St. Louis, he became a puppeteer for the Sid & Marty Krofft Shows at Six Flags-St. Louis. In 1990, John moved to Chicago where he received his Bachelor of Fine Arts from The Art Institute of Chicago and his Master of Fine Arts from the University of Illinois-Chicago School of Art and Art History. His art has been shown in many cities, primarily Chicago, New York and Berlin, Germany. He ran a framing business from his home as he pursued his art.
John was a talented free spirit who loved life. He loved simple things like watching backyard birds, mowing his lawn, snow-blowing, riding his bike, visiting friends on Facebook and providing any type of help he could for his Mom and Dad. He was an excellent cook and made unbelievable French Croissants, southern biscuits, Christmas Yule Logs, beautiful cakes and pastries. He roasted prime rib to perfection and often sent homemade preserves, jellies and cookies to friends around the country. He was a gardener, choosing perennials for his yard which has been on the Munster Yard Tour and was beautiful throughout the summers. He enjoyed playing Mario Kart (internationally), ping pong, croquet, cards and board games. He loved many genres of music and enjoyed singing Karaoke. He was a major roller coaster enthusiast riding coasters all over the world, becoming a member of the European Coaster Club. He visited Cedar Point, OH, a favorite destination with 18 world-class roller coasters, in October 2024 and was thrilled with that trip.
He loved to travel and after meeting his partner Greg in 2001, traveled to various states and many countries including Iceland, Norway, Alaska, Japan, France, England, Italy, Ireland, Canada, Mexico, Jamaica, the US Virgin Islands, Spain, Portugal, the Greek Isles and many other interesting places. He and Greg became Platinum Members on Norwegian Cruise Lines due to their many trips.
John filmed and produced YouTube videos of cooking experiences he had with others, showcasing some of his friends and family’s abilities in the kitchen. He often included outtakes at the end and loved the fun these videos made for so many. John’s videos can be viewed on YouTube: John Kramer, The Ivy Stump Kitchen.
A dear friend of John’s noted, “One of his greatest gifts that I was so lucky to experience was his humor. Man he could make me laugh.” Another, “He was a big life force; so talented: a dancer, singer, artist, chef, designer and traveler.” And another, “John was bigger than life.”
He was loved by many, especially his partner of 24 years, Greg Diggins, and his Mom and Dad, Sheila & Jim Kramer, who moved to NW Indiana in June 2022 to be near John. What a loving reception they received! John, along with Greg, helped with the move, landscaped their yard, and visited daily until they were comfortably settled. He was a mover and a shaker, keeping everyone busy and smiling. From his early years his grandparents, Ruth & Arthur Talbert, and special Aunts, Perle, Phyllis and (Honorary Aunt) Kay, along with other aunts, uncles, and cousins, were all a major part of and provided loving memories throughout most of his life. During the last seven weeks of John’s life, his cousin, Debbie, became a major light of love with frequent texts providing some much-needed sunshine.
A Celebration of Life honoring John will be held in the St. Louis area, date still to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society, phone: 1-800-227-2385 or online at https://donate.cancer.org/
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