Darrel Leroy "Lee" Kramer, 78, of Valentine, NE, passed away at Bryan East in Lincoln on June 23, 2024.

A graveside memorial service will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery in Valentine on July 3rd at 11 am, with lunch and celebration of life to follow at the Veteran's Club.

Lee was born on June 6, 1946, the youngest of four children to Ren and Sylvia (Copeland) Kramer in Valentine, NE.  He grew up and attended school in Valentine.  Lee served in the 500th Engineer Company of the US Army from 1966 to 1968, and was stationed overseas, including in Vietnam.

Lee married Marie Battershaw on October 21, 1972.  To this union, three sons were born: Dale Ren (DR), Mark Lee (who passed away in infancy) and Jeff Lee.   During the early years of their marriage, Lee and Marie lived and worked near Sparks, NE, on the ranch belonging to Lee's mother and stepfather, Milan and Sylvia Sharp.  Their time on the ranch held dear memories for the entire family and was an ideal place to raise their children.  After moving to town, Lee owned a painting business, and later drove a farm tire service truck.  In retirement, Lee looked forward to visits with his grandkids, and always had a treat in the cookie jar and a western on TV for them.

Lee is survived by sons DR (Amanda) of North Platte and Jeff (Cyndi) of Valentine; grandchildren Cooper, Addysen, and Bexleigh; sisters-in-law Peggy (Roy) Baumgarten of Shelton, WA, and Sandy (Don) Frey of Albion; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife Marie, infant son Mark, parents Ren Kramer and Sylvia (Milan) Sharp, siblings Bob (Kay) Kramer, Fred Kramer, and Phyllis Duryea, parents-in-law Dale and Elsie Battershaw, siblings-in-law Bob, Bill, Jim, and Jerry Battershaw, and Nancy Shandrew.

Graveside service for Lee Kramer will be held on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Mt Hope Cemetery in Valentine.  Sandoz Chapel of the Pines is in charge of service arrangements.