Obituary of Ambrose Kramer

Survivors include his wife, Aletha, a daughter, Candice (Carl) Bergsneider of Silver Lake, OH, 2 grandsons, Christopher and Alexander Bergsneider, He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 sisters, Olivia and Elizabeth (Sister Ann Clare) Kramer, Leona Rubly, 4 brothers, Gene (L.F.), Alfred, Edwin and Norman Kramer. Condolences accepted and information at www.kramerfuneral.com. Ambrose was born on March 27, 1916 in Dyersville, Iowa, the son of Herman C. and Wilhelmina (Steffen) Kramer. He was educated for seven years in Columbus Schools in New Wine Township then later graduated from Xavier High School in 1932 and worked at several area service stations, (McGowen & Oerhle Ford and Scherrman's Dodge and Plymoth) as a mechanic. Ambrose moved to Chicago to complete an aircraft sheet metal course then was employed by Pullman Aircraft during WWII. While the plant was being tooled and staffed for production of wings for the DC3 and the C47 cargo plane, he attended the in-plant school where he became an instructor. When production began, he moved to final assembly as supervisor. Ambrose was then drafted into the US Army and Air Force. He served at Kingman and Gunner Training base and Wheeler Field in Hawaii where he was a member of the 17th Tow Target squadron. While in the service he married Aletha Flammang on May 14, 1945 at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville, Iowa. After his discharge he took a course in watchmaking at Bradley University in Peoria, IL. Ambrose joined his father-in-law, Henry Flamming, as Flammang & Kramer Jewelry and Gifts and was later joined by James Flammang. He retired in 1981 after 35 years, selling the business to his brother-in-laws family. Ambrose continued to repair watches for stores in Iowa and Missouri, at the same time expanding his hobby of buying and repairing antique, unique and classic watches. He exhibited at many collector shows including Orlando, FL, Lexington, KY, Robinson, MS, and Cleveland, OH, selling to collectors from the U.S. and foreign countries. Ambrose was member of the Xavier Parish, Legion Post 137, N.A.W.C.C. and A.W.I. He was also an active member of the Northeastern Iowa Watchmakers Guild, I.J.A. and an ambassador for the Dyersville Chamber of Commerce.