Donald Alvin Kramer
Donald Kramer
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Donald Alvin Kramer, 81, died Sept. 28, 2024, at Avera McKennan Hospital, Sioux Falls, following a heart attack, after a series of surgeries.
Don was born May 30, 1943, in Yankton, S.D., to Alvin and Maxine Kramer. He grew up on a farm in rural Hartington, attending TipTop Country School through the eighth grade, graduating in 1960 from Holy Trinity High School, Hartington. He attended Wayne State College for one year, then worked for the State of Nebraska for two years, after which he returned to Wayne State to complete his account ing degree.
Don began his accounting career with a firm in Yankton. In 1975, he moved to Sioux Falls, to work for Jerald B. Davis, CPA. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found Jones & Kramer CPA with Mike Jones in 1983. Four years later, following the death of Mike Jones, Tom Haber joined the team, forming the respected accounting firm Jones, Kramer, and Haber CPA. Don and Tom practiced together until Don’s retirement in 2009.
Don married Ty Ann Tounsley March 1, 1980, in Sioux Falls. They were blessed with two children, Julie, born in 1981, and John, born in 1983. Don took great pride in his family, and his joy only grew with the addition of his four beloved grandchildren, Max and Th omas (Julie and Nathanael Williams) and Samson and Calla (John an d Alyson Kramer). Don’s grandchildren brought him immense joy, unless they were being “too loud” as he would tease. They were a source of strength and comfort through his last years of medical chall enges.
In retirement, Don enjoyed participating in the “table of knowl edge,” a group of men who gathered daily for coffee - first at Sun shine Foods and later at Hy-V ee - where they spent countless hours solving the world’s problems and, occasionally, creating new ones.
While Don was proud of his professional achievements and the re lationships he built with clients, that blossomed into lifelong friend ships. One of his proudest contributions was helping the family of hi s friend, Yuy Chhen, complete the Szechwan Restaurant on 41st and Kiwanis after the proprietor’s untimely passing.
Don’s personality was larger than life, marked by his quick wit and habit of playful teasing—often directed at waitresses, much to the embarrassment of his children. He had an opinion on ev erything, and freely shared it. His humor and booming laughter will be forever imprinted on the hearts of all who knew him. Don had a deep love for sports, whether watching, coaching or cheering for his children and favorite teams. He also enjoyed watching his grandchildren part icipate in sports, sometimes traveling hours just to catch a game.
Don is survived by his wife, Ty Ann; his children, Julie (Nathanael) Williams, Gettysburg, S.D., and John (Alyson) Kramer, Sioux Falls, S.D.; his cherished grandchildren, Max and Thomas Williams and Samson and Calla Kramer; his siblings, Pat (Dick) Kuehn, Hartington; Joan (Bob) Meier, Omaha; and Dan (Renee) Kramer, Yankton, S.D.; many beloved nieces, nephews; mother-in-Law, Marilyn Tounsley, Huron, S.D.; and brothers-in-law, Randy (Kathy) Tounsley, Huron, S.D.; Bret (Crystal) Tounsley, Madison, S.D.; and Ryan (Elina) Tounsley, Walland, Tenn.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Maxine Kramer; baby sister, Jeanne; and father-in-law, Jack Tounsley.
Funeral services will be 10: 30 a.m., Oct. 4, 2024, at Christ the King Catholic Church, Sioux Falls. Lunch immediately to follow Mass, and interment to follow lunch at St. Michael Cemetery, Sioux Falls.
Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., Oct. 3, at Miller Funeral Home-Westside Chapel, 6200 W. 41st St, with a prayer service beginning at 6 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, Don requests donations be made to Christ th e King Catholic School, Sioux Falls, S.D., or to Gettysburg School Dis trict, Gettysburg, S.D.