Thomas Edward Kramer, 72, Jupiter, Fla.

Jupiter, Fla. — Thomas Edward Kramer passed away at the age of 72 on December 13, 2022, in Jupiter, Florida, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. He left behind a legacy that can never be encapsulated in the following words.

Tom was born on June 26, 1950, in Cleveland, Ohio. Tom attended St. Ignatius High School, where he excelled in football before graduating in 1968. He then went on to play football at Purdue University. He graduated from Purdue in 1972 with a degree in Business Management.

Post college, Tom served in the Coast Guard. Tom married his high school sweetheart, Susan Marquard, on May 26th, 1973. Their almost 50-year marriage and subsequent family was Tom’s greatest treasure.

Tom became a McDonald’s franchisee, and he and Susan built their first McDonald’s in Tell City, Indiana in 1976, where they lived for 30 years. Tom and, eventually, his son Ryan, brought the Golden Arches to Dubois County. Tom’s career brought many successes but Tom would say the people, the co-workers and customers, were the highlight for him.

Tom loved boating, watersports with his kids and grandkids, and hunting and riding horses.

Tom’s notoriety grew in the last few years as his son, Rory, featured him in a music video for Avicii named “The Nights.” The line that is most meaningful to us is “My father said one day you’ll leave this world behind so live a life you will remember…..” Watch here.

Tom’s grandson, Cooper, recently honored him with an essay where he compared his grandfather to a heavenly saint who symbolized optimism. It was a glowing tribute to Tom, delivered in front of a congregation at Cooper’s Catholic school in Jasper, Indiana.

Tom is survived by his wife, Susan Kramer; children Ryan (Blayr) Kramer, Terry (Carrie) Kramer, Katie (Joe) Sisley, Rory (Amy) Kramer; grandchildren Parker, Mason, Molly, Cooper, Emme, Ellie, Thomas, Olivia, and Daniel Thomas Kramer (deceased). Tom has many beloved siblings and nieces/nephews.

There will be a mass held on June 24, 2023, at 11:00 am St. Paul Catholic Chapel, Fremont, IN and a reception will be held at Tom & Susan’s home at 440 Point Park Dr. Fremont, IN 46737.

Donations can be made to the Clear Lake Conservancy Fund, Ronald McDonald House ofEvansville, and CaringBridge.com