Edwin J. Kramer
Obituary's Biography:
Edwin James Kramer, 78, of Grayslake, IL, passed away on February 21, 2025. Edwin was born on June 25, 1946, in Chicago, IL, to Harald H. and Mildred (Lee) Kramer.
Edwin attended grade school at Grace English Lutheran Church in Chicago and Foreman High School, also in Chicago, graduating in 1964. He then attended and graduated from Luther College in Decorah, IA, where he met his wife, Karen Elaine Oyloe. After graduating, Edwin served as a bassoonist in the Fifth Army Band at Fort Sheridan, IL. Upon completing his service in the Army, Edwin and Karen were married at Springfield Lutheran Church in Decorah, IA, on June 13, 1970.
Edwin was known for his love of and lifelong involvement in music, as well as being an accomplished pianist and music conductor/director. He provided music wherever he went, having begun piano lessons in the third grade. At 15, Edwin became organist and later Music Director of Medill Avenue Lutheran Church in Chicago. He then served as Music Director at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ingleside, IL, where he remained as both Director and Member until the present.
Edwin led and participated in numerous instrumental and choral groups in Lake County from 1972 to the present. He was the founder and director of the Liberty Fremont Chamber Singers. He also sang with and played piano for the Camerata Singers of Lake Forest, IL. An exceptionally accomplished accompanist, Edwin played for choral choirs across Lake County, including at many solo and ensemble contests at local schools. He also played piano for Or Shalom Synagogue in Vernon Hills for many years during the High Holidays.
From 1997 to 2020, Edwin conducted the Bjornson Male Chorus of Chicago, which led to his founding and conducting of the Chicago Norsemen from 2020 to the present. He also served as Director-in-Chief of the Norwegian Singers Association of America (NSAA) for several years. Edwin worked tirelessly behind the scenes, pouring his heart and soul into all of his musical endeavors.
Edwin is survived by his loving wife, Karen Kramer; his sister, Connie (Martin); his nieces and nephews, as well as his great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harald and Mildred Kramer; his parents-in-law, Carl and Gilma Oyloe; and his nephew, Matthew Oyloe.
A memorial service to honor Edwin’s life will be held on April 26 at 2:00 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church, 25519 West IL Route 134, Ingleside, IL, with visitation from 12:30–2:00 PM.
A second memorial service will be held at Springfield Lutheran Church in Decorah, IA, on June 7, with details to follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Edwin’s memory to Trinity Lutheran Church, Luther College in Decorah, IA, or Feed My Starving Children (www.fmsc.org).
All arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030. For more information, please call (847)223-8122 or visit www.StrangFuneral.org.
Ed was such an accomplished musician who enhanced the life of so many. He added much to the enjoyment of the activities at both our 50th and 55th reunions of our Luther class. As a fellow native of Chicago, I especially enjoyed the conversation classmate Wayne Oberschelp and I had with Ed at the Mabe’s event at our 55th Reunion. His life was truly one to celebrate. May God’s peace and memories of a life well-lived comfort Ed’s wife Karen.