Joan R. (Reid) Kramer

Joan Reid Kramer, 87, of Nekoosa passed away on March 15, 2024 in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.  

She was born on May 10, 1936 in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin to Lyle and Johanna Reid.  Joan began her life-long path of education in one-room schools in the Town of Leola in Adams County through 8th grade.  She attended Tri-County High School, where she graduated valedictorian of her class in 1954 and then attended the University of Wisconsin (Madison), graduating in 1958 with a B.S. in Foods and Nutrition Sciences.  She completed her dietetics internship at the University of Iowa Medical Center, where she began to study for her master’s degree.  After completing her internship, she was selected to participate in the International Farm Youth Exchange (IFYE) where she spent 6 months living with farm families in The Netherlands, which sparked a love of travel throughout her life.  After returning to the United States, she moved back to Madison where she worked at the University of Wisconsin hospital and completed her master’s degree in hospital dietetics.  She was appointed the foods and nutrition specialist for the University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension Service and continued in that role until she married Frank Kramer in 1967.  After marriage, she and Frank lived in Rockford, Illinois where Frank was a supervisor at a major hospital, and Joan taught nutrition to nursing students.  They moved to Madison where she had begun her career as a student, now to help educate others by accepting a position coordinating programs for UW’s College Week for Women.  After Frank retired, their last move was to central Wisconsin, returning to build their home near the original family farm settled over a century earlier.  There she lived the rest of her life.  True to her love of the land, they enjoyed the wooded setting living among the deer, birds and other wildlife. 

Joan was predeceased by her husband Frank (1994), her parents, brothers Doug and David, and sister Diane.  She is survived by her brothers Fred (Mary), Dale (Anita), and sister-in-law Shirley Reid, and 8 nieces and nephews along with 12 grandnieces and grandnephews.

There will be a graveside burial service this spring for family at the Plainfield Cemetery where she planned to be laid to rest beside her beloved family who have preceded her. Stahl Funeral Services are assisting the family with arrangements, www.stahlfuneralhome.com

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