Darrel L. “Lee” Kramer, 78

Darrel Leroy “Lee” Kramer, 78, of Valentine, passed away at Bryan East in Lincoln June 23, 2024.

A graveside memorial service will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery in Valentine July 3, at 11:00 a.m., with lunch and celebration of life to follow at the Veterans Club.

Lee was born June 6, 1946, the youngest of four children to Ren and Sylvia (Copeland) Kramer in Valentine. He grew up and attended school in Valentine. Lee served in the 500th Engineer Company of the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1968, and was stationed overseas, including in Vietnam.

Lee married Marie Battershaw on October 21, 1972. To this union, three sons were born, Dale Ren (DR), Mark Lee (who passed away in infancy) and Jeff Lee. During the early years of their marriage, Lee and Marie lived and worked near Sparks on the ranch belonging to Lee’s mother and stepfather, Milan and Sylvia Sharp. Their time on the ranch held dear memories for the entire family and was an ideal place to raise their children. After moving to town, Lee owned a painting business, and later drove a farm tire service truck.

In retirement, Lee looked forward to visits with his grandkids, and always had a treat in the cookie jar and a Western on TV for them. Lee is survived by sons, DR (Amanda) of North Platte and Jeff (Cyndi) of Valentine; grandchildren, Cooper, Addysen, and Bexleigh; sisters-in-law, Peggy (Roy) Baumgarten of Shelton, WA, and Sandy (Don) Frey of Albion; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Marie; infant son, Mark; parents, Ren Kramer and Sylvia (Milan) Sharp; siblings Bob (Kay) Kramer, Fred Kramer, and Phyllis Duryea; parents-in-law, Dale and Elsie Battershaw; siblings-in-law, Bob, Bill, Jim, and Jerry Battershaw, and Nancy Shandrew.

Sandoz Chapel of the Pines is in charge of service arrangements.