Steve Kramer

Steven Merrill Kramer, 64, a longtime resident of Herron Island and the KP, passed away Jan. 6, 2019, after a series of illnesses. Born to Robert and Anita Kramer and raised in Renton, Washington, he began working at the family business, Kramer’s Imperial Carpet Company, at age 15.

His parents were among the first owners on Herron Island in the 1960s, and in 2001, after 40 years in the carpet business, Kramer started Kramer’s Excavating, a hauling and excavating business based on Herron, putting his heavy equipment to work helping neighbors on the island and the mainland. A hard worker always with a sunny smile on his face, he didn’t quit even when his health started to fail.

Kramer met Jodi Comer in 1997 and they divided their time between Herron Island and north Key Peninsula.

Early on, Kramer discovered a passion for hydroplanes. He was the proud owner/driver of a vintage Carpetbagger hydroplane that he loved to race. He later became the owner/driver of two more vintage boats that he lovingly restored, the Water Scamp and the Sun Up. Kramer and Jodi became members of the Vintage Hydroplane Boat Racing Club and spent many weekends traveling to races, winning awards and making many friends.

Kramer is survived by his loving companion Jodi Comer; brother Kevin Kramer and sister-in-law Shelly; daughter Stephanie and son-in-law Xavier Olivares; four grandchildren; and more Kramer and Anderson family. He will be missed by his family and his many friends on Herron Island and around the country.

A celebration of life will be held  March 30, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. at the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum in Kent.