Thomas Kramer

Bismarck

Thomas Kramer, 67, Bismarck, formerly of Minot, passed away on Sunday, December 21, 2025 at a Bismarck care facility.

Thomas John Kramer was born in Minot, August 9th, 1957 to Dr. Henry and Marie Kramer. Though he had a developmental disability from birth that prevented him from a typical youth, Tom’s family made sure that he had every opportunity to experience life to the fullest, and Tom definitely enjoyed a rich and full life of joy and adventure.

His many interests included: Spending time on the old family farm with Grandma Dorothy; Summer Camps at Richardton Abbey fishing, swimming, singing; Listening to music – favorites were The Beatles, Monkees, Country; Gopher hunting with his BB gun; Going on drives and adventures with Mike, camping, hunting trips, visits to the Lange ranch in the Badlands; Rock hunting and walks with his walking stick; Drawing and painting people, animals, places he’d seen; Spending time at the lake cabin with family; Watching his favorite TV shows and movies, and many more; Caring for animals and pets when visiting family.

He was an excellent swimmer, winning several medals at the International Special Olympics in New York in 1979. He continued to love swimming. Whenever staying at a hotel, he would always get time in for a swim.

Tom was a real people person and very social his whole life. His reaction to seeing a familiar face was always a joyous smile. He’d then pick up the conversation they’d last had, or perhaps he’d have a new topic of interest to visit about. Tom always had to shake hands with the priest after Sunday mass.

His memory for past events and adventures was incredible, and he enjoyed reminiscing about things he’d done in his life with many family members and friends. For those of us who knew him well, we knew his answer to a direct question would usually be another question. “Tom, do you want to go for a walk?” Tom: “Do you?” Or if we were enjoying something he might like, like a cookie, or a cold beer on a hot day, “Do you have one for Tom?”

His smile was contagious, and his heart was big and full of love. He loved bantering with his brother and sister, other family or friends, making them laugh with his unique observations about the world. Tom was a loyal brother, son, uncle, and friend. When he joined his mother at St. Vincent’s Care Center in Bismarck in 2023, he made it his mission to make sure his mother was well taken care of, often chiding the staff for not attending to her needs more quickly. He was always concerned about how others were doing and rarely complained, despite physical challenges and chronic pain.

Anyone who ever met Tom can attest to the special person he was. He will be forever missed by all who loved him but we know he is experiencing a joyous reunion with loved ones, and catching them up on all they’ve missed since he saw them last! Blessed be his memory.

Tom is survived by siblings Katherine (Richard) Anderson and brother Michael (Kari) Kramer; step sisters Linda (Frank) Boehm and Kimberly (Glenn) Kehrer and numerous extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, niece Heather Chlebik, step brother Ronald Caroline and step sister Shelly Caroline.

A funeral mass will be held on Monday, December 29, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at Little Flower Catholic Church in Minot. The service will be livestreamed for the public to view and can be accessed by going to the Thompson-Larson Funeral home website: www.thompsonlarson.com. Burial will follow at Rosehill Memorial Park in Minot. Visitation will be on Sunday, December 28, 2025 from 2-4 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home in Minot with a Vigil Prayer Service at 4 p.m. Memorials appreciated to Little Flower Church or Bishop Ryan. Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).

Published by The Minot Daily News, December 27, 2025.