Kenny was born to Frank and June Olsen Kramer on April 1, 1953 in Everett, Wash. Kenny grew up on the family farm, located on Lone Lake, and that is where he peacefully passed away surrounded by his loving family and friends on June 8, 2021 after a short but hard fought battle with melanoma.
Kenny was the youngest of three boys and a fierce, competent competitor in most sports as well almost everything he faced. Kenny excelled in high school basketball, track and football as quarterback, helping lead his team to very impressive winning seasons. Kenny threw Javelin at Everett Community College and went on to do the same at WSU, where he graduated just credits shy of his masters in teaching grades K-12. He student taught in Spokane but never put his degree to work as a teacher due to the fact that when he graduated in 1976, the Seattle area schools laid off hundreds of teachers.
Kenny spent his college summers working alongside Frank (his dad) at Freeland Lumber, where he learned to hang doors and purchased that portion of the business in the late 1970s, which is when he started “Whidbey Door.” The rest, as they say, is history, and he became known as the “doorman” on South Whidbey and was still working until the day before his surgery in late April.
Kenny made friends easily and always took the time to talk, listen and tell stories even when he didn’t really have the time. Kenny always put others first, was uniquely sincere and had a way of making you feel special.
Out of all his achievements in life, he was most proud of the family he and his wife Kim lovingly combined, nurtured and watched flourish over the last 30 years. Very recently, he beamed when showing one of his nurses a family photo as he said, “Look what we grew.” He had a special bond and relationship with each of his children, their spouses and his grandchildren. We are all heartbroken that our hero who seemed larger than life was taken way too soon. He was the ultimate problem solver and could fix anything.
Kenny is survived by his wife Kim; five children and nine grandchildren, Bree Nelson and husband Jordan, Kale Kramer and wife Megan, Lindsey Read and Courtney Taylor, all of Whidbey Island. Christopher Taylor and wife Lauren, Cedar Creek, Texas; Kole Nelson, Brody Nelson, Abby Read, Maddy Read, Ethan Taylor, Cameron Taylor, Gavin Taylor, Taylor Janes and Mina Janes.
Kenny is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Tom Kramer and Donna Kramer, and numerous nieces and nephews, who all held a special place in his heart.
Kenny was preceded in death by his parents and brother Mick.
A Celebration of Life is planned for Kenny at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 26, 2021 at the Holmes Harbor Rod & Gun Club in Langley, Wash. Please bring your favorite dish and story to share about the ultimate story teller. In lieu of flowers, Kenny’s family is starting a scholarship account to benefit athletes graduating from SWHS. Please write checks to “The Ken Kramer Scholarship Fund” and mail to P.O. Box 438, Clinton. WA. 98236.
