December 9, 1929 - September 26, 2022
Pastor Thomas S. Kramm, 92, of Reedsville, passed away at 12:02 a.m. Monday, Sept. 26, 2022, at Valley View Haven.
He was born Dec. 9, 1929, in Turbot Township, Northumberland County, the son of the late Donley T. and Susanna (Baker) Kramm. He was united in marriage to the late H. Jane (Wesner) Kramm, who passed away Feb. 23, 2018. He and Jane were blessed to share 66 years of marriage.
He is survived by the following children: Steven T. Kramm and wife Karen of Lewistown; Kathy S. Crownover and husband Mark of Belleville; Darcy A. Herto and husband Randy of Goshen, Ind.; Mark T. Kramm and wife Ellen of Cedar, Minn.; Andrew K. Kramm and wife Aimee of Wellsboro; six grandchildren, Jon Crownover, Adam Crownover, Christopher Kramm, Andrew Kramm, Justin Kramm and Gretchen Clauser; seven great-grandchildren: Eric Crownover, Jesse Crownover, Addison Crownover, Lucas Kramm, Matthew Kramm, Jonah Kramm, and Abigail Kramm, as well as siblings, Edna Walter, Roger Kramm and Donna Moser.
Thomas graduated from the McEwensville Elementary School in 1943 and from the Milton High School in 1947. He received his A.B. degree from Bucknell University with a Pre-theological combined major in Philosophy, Psychology and Religion in 1961. While attending Bucknell, he served as a student supply pastor of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Hallowing Run, Sunbury. He continued his study for the ministry by attending the Gettysburg Lutheran Theological Seminary for four years. At the same time, he served as resident student supply for the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Newville, Cumberland County. While serving in Newville, he was active in community affairs. He was the director for the newly established Community Youth Center, co-director of the Borough Playground for three years, and served as Vice President of the Inter-Church Council.
He received a Bachelor of Divinity degree from the Gettysburg Lutheran Theological Seminary in 1965 and was then ordained into the ministry of the Lutheran Church of America. In July 1965, Thomas was installed as Pastor of the Belleville Lutheran Pastoral Charge, which included St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Allensville. He remained in this position for 27 1/2 years until his retirement on Jan. 1, 1993.
In addition to his usual pastoral duties, he founded the Big Valley Area Ministerium and co-founded the Big Valley Area Medical Center. He was instrumental in the creation and implementation of the Synod’s Authorized Lay Worship Leader program.
He was an avid reader and enjoyed gardening. He could shape a piece of wood into whatever he wanted and found pleasure in putting his own stamp of craftsmanship on his house and its furnishings, ranging from a corner cupboard, drop-leaf table, and dove-tailed blanket chests to detailed bird carvings.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 22, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church in Belleville with Pastor Carla Volland officiating. Burial will take place at McEwensville Cemetery at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Arrangements are under the care of Henderson Funeral Home, Belleville. Online condolences may be offered at www.hendersonfuneralhomes.net.
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