FRANCIS KRAMSCHUSTER

After a morning of music and celebration with his family, Francis Paul Kramschuster, of Mora, Minnesota passed away in the early morning hours of Monday, December 30, 2024 in the Greater Kansas City Area, with family by his side. He was 90 years old. 

Francis was born on November 6, 1934 to Paul and Agnes Kramschuster in Bloomer, Wisconsin.  He was the fourth of seven children that were raised on the Kramschuster Family farm. Growing up, he developed a strong work ethic, dedication to family, religious commitment, and enjoyment of life. He graduated from McDonell High School in the class of 1952 and enjoyed attending class reunions well into his eighties.  His strongest connection to Bloomer was his love of family, as he often visited his brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, and godchildren.  

Francis served in the United States Army from 1957 to 1959. Upon discharge, he worked various jobs, including as a telegraph operator for the railroad. It was not until he started working in the cattle business around central Minnesota that Francis would find his lifelong career. He worked for Groth Livestock for numerous years before starting Fran’s Order Buying Company.  Francis formed strong relationships within the industry that he maintained throughout his lifetime. Francis loved his work, and his children will always remember East Central Livestock and many of Francis’ friends and associates in that field with high regard and much respect.

After being set up on a blind date by Sharon’s aunt in 1964, Francis married Sharon Buckley at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on June 21, 1969.  Their wedding at St. Mary’s was the beginning of their relationship with a community that nourished their faith life, provided many dear friendships, including the Knights of Columbus, and helped raise their growing family.  Over the next 10 years, Francis and Sharon had 5 children, Ann, Paul, Luke, Kate, and John.  Francis loved having a large family and he would say that marrying Sharon was the best decision he made.  

Francis had a great generosity of spirit and took pride in creating a sense of home, not only for his children, but for friends and extended family. All were welcome at Fran and Sharon’s, and it became their grandchildren’s favorite place to gather, especially during Hootenanny.

Francis was a gifted storyteller. There was always something special about being in his company that would make the most mundane days seem special. Each grandchild has a few “Grandpa stories” tucked away. Francis loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren deeply and connected with each one through visits, phone calls, cribbage, crazy eights, and calling out tunes at Hootenanny. Every conversation with his children always ended with, “Tell the kids I love them.”

For over 50 years, Francis and Sharon cultivated a garden. Together they froze and canned food and enjoyed potatoes, corn, beans, applesauce, grape juice, pickles, tomatoes, and jam throughout the winter. Fran was fond of saying most of any meal served came from “Franny’s Produce.” The Kramschuster family is also known for their annual Sauerkraut festival, inspired from Francis’ German immigrant roots. 

Francis’ other hobbies included hunting, fishing, and cooking big meals for family and friends.  Francis especially loved cards and everyone will remember his many sayings, especially, “I have a hand like a foot,” and “Thanks for the lesson.”

Francis possessed the peace and love of God in his heart of one who lived his faith.  He wanted good for all people and believed in dignity and care for all.  In a humble and simple way, Francis helped many people in the community, never with judgment or expectation- it is just what one does. Francis’ family will always be thankful for his kindness, example, and love.

Fran was preceded in death by his parents Paul and Agnes (Hable) Kramschuster; wife Sharon; siblings, Doris Bowe, Lucy Kramschuster, Alice Kramschuster, Robert Kramschuster, and Lee Kramschuster.

Fran is survived by his children and their families, Ann Kramschuster & Jason Hebeisen, and their children Claire, Grace, Levi (Grace), Ella, & Caleb; Paul & Julie Kramschuster, and their children, Jillian, Sharon, and Eleanor (Jacob) Kittilstad and their children Francis and baby Kittilstad; Luke & Janet Kramschuster, and their children Maggie and Henry; Kate & Walter Rush, and their children Ben Smith-Rush, Leif, and Ruby; and John & Meredyth Kramschuster, and their children Lucy, Juniper, and Isla; sister, Madonna Schwerin; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Sheila and Keith Rogne; and many nieces, nephews, and godchildren.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mora.

MEMORIAL VISITATION will be held from 3:00-5:30 pm with a TIME OF SHARING & SONG at 5:30pm on Friday, January 17th at the Hamilton Funeral Homes - Akkerman Chapel in Mora.

A ROSARY SERVICE will be held at 9:30 am on Saturday at the church with MEMORIAL VISITATION following from 10-11am. 

A LUNCHEON will follow the services at church.   

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