Larry Kramer

Larry Kramer

April 6, 1942 - Jan. 25, 2014

ROSSVILLE, Kansas -- Larry Ronald Kramer, born April 6, 1942, in Austin, Minnesota, died Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014, at Rossville Health Care and Rehabilitation Center in Rossville, Kansas. He was 71. Kramer had been diagnosed with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) and his health had been declining the past eight years.

A native of Minnesota, Larry Kramer originally wanted to attend the University of Minnesota to play football. However, that is not how things turned out. Kramer was recruited and made the decision to attend the University of Nebraska. Kramer once said regarding that decision - the friends he made, the coaches and meeting his wife made that decision the best decision he ever made. He married Sandra Van Norman his wife of fifty years on Aug. 17, 1963. During his time at Nebraska he also became one of the nation's best tackles while playing for the University of Nebraska. He was named the only unanimous selection to the 1964 All-American team that included players like Gale Sayers and Dick Butkus. Kramer was drafted by the Baltimore Colts prior to his senior season at Nebraska, and later signed a free agent contract with the Minnesota Vikings.

Kramer went on to spend 32 years coaching football before his retirement in 1997. During his coaching career he had many highlights.

Kramer began his coaching career at McCook Junior College in McCook, Nebraska following his post graduate work at the University of Nebraska. He then went on to Southern Oregon College in Ashland, Oregon prior to joining Austin College in 1973.

Kramer led the Austin College Kangaroo's from 1973 -- 1982. Kramer took the 'Roos to a 1981 NAIA National Championship. A fierce but humble competitor and coach, Kramer was quick to credit his players above himself for the success on the field, saying of his 1981 championship team, "Those kids made a heck of a coach out of me." In 2003, Austin College honored Kramer as the seventh recipient of the prestigious Coach Joe Spencer Award for Meritorious Service and Lifetime Achievement in recognition of his outstanding achievements both on and off the field.

In 1983, Kramer left Austin College to take on the head coaching job at Emporia State University in Kansas. The Hornets were coming off of a nine year straight losing season when Kramer arrived. Kramer coached at Emporia State University from 1983 to 1994 where he led the Hornets to the NAIA National Championship game in 1989. He was also named NAIA national coach of the year that same year. Kramer ranks second in ESU football history in wins and total winning percentage. He was inducted into Emporia State's Hall of Honor in 2000.

Kramer finished out his career as an assistant coach working with tight ends and tackles under Bill Snyder at Kansas State from 1995-1997. Snyder previously served as an assistant to Kramer at Austin College from 1974 -- 1975.

After his retirement, Kramer filled his days searching for antiques and expanding his extensive Coca Cola memorabilia collection.

The impact he had on the many young men and coaches he worked with was everlasting. Kramer was known for his toughness; however his players always knew he cared about their success. It was not unusual for Kramer to invite many of his players over to a home cooked dinner. He cared about each of them whether they were a first string player or sat the bench. His drive, discipline and passionate spirit have molded many young men who also went on to be successful coaches themselves. Many people found Kramer enjoyable to watch coach. His passion for the game, his team and his competitive spirit were undeniable. He loved the game!

Kramer's highlights and accomplishments as a football player and coach stand alone. He was one of a kind, but what made him truly special is the quality and character he had outside of the game. The love and caring attitude he brought to those he loved. He was tough at times but genuine and no nonsense. He was a wonderful father to his four children and a playful, gentle man with his grandchildren. It was not unusual at family gatherings to find PopPop/Grandpa out in the yard participating (not coaching) in a game of football with his little crew of players who all looked up to him. Kramer has nine grandchildren and loved attending their games, programs and school activities. Even in the end he had a winning team. A team who adored him, loved him and will cherish the memories forever!

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Sandra Kramer; a son, Tim(Kendra) Kramer, Lakeland, Florida; three daughters, Kelly Potter(John Humphrey), Topeka, Kansas, Erin Melton, Fort Morgan, Colorado and Kerry (Jeff) Glasgow, Lawrence, Kansas and 9 grandchildren. Also surviving are his mother, June Kramer, Austin, Minnesota, brother Jim Kramer, St. Paul, Minnesota and brothers-in-law, Robert Van Norman of Rapid City, South Dakota and Jim Van Norman of Redlands, California.

Kramer is preceded in death by his father, Ronald Kramer.

A memorial service will be at First United Methodist Church in Emporia, Kansas, on Saturday, Feb. 1, at 2 p.m. Family visitation in the church parlor will be at 1 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Austin High School Packer Athletic Improvement Project and sent in care of Roberts Blue Barnett Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made through www.robertsblue.com.

A celebration of Coach Kramer will be held at the Trusler Sports Complex Saturday following the memorial service.

Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home in Emporia, Kansas is in charge of arrangements.