TOWNER Alyce Elenora (Eikesdahl) Kramer, 89, died Sunday, May 10, 2009, at the New Life Living Center in Presho, S.D.

She was born April 6, 1920, the second child of Andrew and Elizabeth (Larson) Eikesdahl at their home in Blaisdell, N.D. Alyce was baptized at Blaisdell on June 6, 1920. When still a small child, the family came by train to a home in Denbigh, N.D., where she was raised. Hard work and tough times were no stranger to Alyce. When she was very young, her mother passed away leaving Alyce and her older sister, Clara, to care for their younger sisters and brother, all during the height of the Great Depression. Alyce was confirmed in her faith, attended school in Denbigh and graduated from Granville High School in 1939. She completed her education at Minot State Teachers College and taught in the rural school system for several years.

On Nov. 8, 1941, she was united in marriage to John W. "Johnny" Kramer in Towner, N.D., and they established their ranch and home in Denbigh, N.D. After raising their children, Alyce went to work at Peterson's Golden Rule and later was secretary for the McHenry County agent and home extension offices for 17 years before retiring. Alyce and Johnny spent their retirement years travelling to see her sisters in California and Oregon, to Norway and Hawaii several times and toured many European countries as well. Johnny died April 5, 1989. Alyce continued to live on the ranch following Johnny's death until October 2004, when she moved to the home of her daughter and son-in-law in Presho, S.D.

She was a member of Hope Congregational Church in Granville, Republican Women, Prairie Rose Homemakers, the Farm Bureau and the VFW Auxiliary. Alyce loved her family and had a deep faith in God. She enjoyed caring for her home and had a beautiful yard and flowers of every color that delighted her. Alyce always considered herself to be blessed and was deeply humbled for what God had given her.

Survivors include: two sons, Jack (Carole) of Denbigh and Brian (LeeAnn) of Turtle Lake; one daughter, Dawn (Rev. Dennis) Keyes of Presho, S.D.; 9 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Arline (Les) Bright of Estacada, Ore., and Inez Bernard of California; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband; a sister, Clara Husa; a brother, Ernest; and her parents.

Funeral services: Friday at 10:30 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church in Towner with burial in the Union Cemetery, Towner. Rev. Dennis Keyes, officiating.

Friends may call: Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home in Towner and for one hour prior to the time of services at the church on Friday.

Organist: Mandy Hall.

Soloists: Kolette Kramer and Jeff Kramer.

Casket Bearers: Sheldon Laib, Toby Kramer, Scott Dockter, Shawn Kramer, Reed Kramer, Jeff Kramer, Kurt Kramer and Alan Keyes.

Arrangements with Anderson Funeral Home of Towner.