Arla M. Kramer

Larchwood, IA

Arla M. Kramer, age 86 of Larchwood, IA, died May 20, 2026, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.

Visitation will be Monday, May 25th, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., with the family present at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Larchwood, IA. There will be a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. in the church after viewing.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 26th at The St. Mary’s Catholic church at Larchwood, IA. with Father Sunny Dominic as Celebrant.

Memorials can be directed to Avera Merrill Pioneer Hospital outpatient rehab program.

Jurrens Funeral Home of Rock Rapids is in charge of services.

Arla Marie Kramer was born on June 11, 1939 in Larchwood, IA, to Roy and Mary (Bruggeman) Viereck. She lived her entire life in Larchwood. Arla attended grade school and high school at Saint Mary’s Catholic School. She graduated from St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in Mitchell, SD.

Arla was united in marriage to Ronald W. Kramer on December 28, 1959, and were blessed with three children, Keith, Rhonda and Kendall. Arla’s greatest joy came from spending time with those she loved most – her family and friends. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were her true treasures. She kept a photo book of each of them from birth to present. Canning her tomatoes, peaches, pears, salsa and making strawberry jam was one of her passions and customized her canning according to her family’s taste buds. She had a true green thumb and loved feeding the birds.

Arla worked as a nurse in many capacities over the years and later transitioned to working with Ron at their family-owned grocery, Jack and Jill in Larchwood, IA until they both retired in 1995.

Arla will be remembered for her strength, devotion to family and her belief in Jesus Christ.

She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Ronald W. Kramer of Larchwood, IA; three children, Keith (Linda) Kramer of Larchwood, IA, Rhonda (Mark) Burkard of Omaha, NE and Kendall (Vicki)Kramer of Larchwood, IA; seven grandchildren, Cale (Amber) Kramer, Jennifer (Sam) Moser, Brett Burkard(special friend Ashlyn Peevy, Courtney Burkard (fiance Ben Laible), Neal (Emily) Kramer) McKayla (Cam) Hasche and Ben (Liz) Kramer; great grandchildren, Ashlyn and Connor Kramer, Reeve and Auden Hasche, Kyla Kramer and Wrenley Kramer. Also survived by brother-in law Ralph Oliver and sisters-in-law Mary Hartman and Betty Kramer.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Mary Viereck; her sisters, Rosemary (Dick) Moser and Judy Oliver; and many extended family members on the Viereck and Kramer side.

The Kramer family invites family and friend to join them for a time of fellowship and lunch following the graveside service in the St. Mary’s Parish Hall.