Joseph A. Thramer
1928 – 2010
Funeral services for Alex Thramer, age 81, of Ewing, Nebraska, were at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 17th at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, with the Rev. Jim Kramper officiating. Music was provided by Rita Kester, Organist and Mark Rotherham, Soloist. Casket Bearers were PVT Derek Thramer, Zac Thramer, Travis Jackson, Paul Kresge II, Scott Sisson, Ryan Thramer, Rod Sisson, Casey Reiter, Jason Thramer, Cody Thramer, Andy Thramer, Nic Thramer, Philip Thramer, and Brian Thramer. Burial was in the Parish Cemetery. Visitation was from 4-7 p.m. Friday, with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service music was provided by Mark & Julie Dwyer and Doug Wright.
Joseph Alexander Thramer was born to Joseph Albert & Elizabeth Rotherham Thramer on November 24, 1928, Ewing, Nebraska, and grew up on the family farm southwest of Clearwater. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Catholic Church. He attended Clearwater rural schools, Sacred Heart High School in Norfolk, and continued farming with his father.
He was united in marriage to Joyce Kerkman of Elgin on August 29th, 1950, and farmed southwest of Clearwater and Neligh for 9 years. In 1959, they moved their family to Ewing where they bought the Gamble Store. In 1965, Alex and his brothers built Two Rivers Steakhouse. He managed and eventually purchased the steakhouse along with working in the irrigation “field” for 11 years. In 1976, Alex and his son, Chuck, opened Thramer Irrigation and worked with the irrigation and agriculture industry as well as farm and ranch communities for another 32 years, until his retirement in 2008.
Alex was instrumental in the creation of several businesses, community landmarks and causes throughout the state of Nebraska. He was a visionary and leader in developing the Summerland Golf Course where he served on the Board of Directors. Alex served on the Board of Directors of the C.O.R.E. Development Team, and helped make a difference in Ewing and throughout the state for residents in need of home purchases and improvements. He organized and led the way for the building of the Husker Ag Ethanol Plant in Plainview in 2001, and served on the Board of Directors. Alex was also very visible and supportive in politics relative to Nebraska agricultural issues, and served as a member of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development Board. He was a lifetime parishioner of St. Peter’s and St. John’s Catholic Churches.
Alex had a passion for flying, his cows, country music, and exploring the countryside. He reached out to those in need of hugs, laughs and prayers. He will fondly be remembered with his “iron body, wooden clothes, fiery ……and smokey nose; and he knew how to have fun and lighten up a party……“It‘s hardly dark!”………..“On Top Of Old Smokey“!
Husband, Dad, and Grandpa Alex leaves a huge void in the family as he was there for each one of them, deeply involved with all of their families, supported them with his endless fatherly love and will never ever be forgotten. He died at Lakeside Hospital in Omaha, on April 14, 2010.
He is survived by his wife Joyce; 4 daughters: Linda Winget, Ewing; Vonnie Kresge & husband, Paul of Lafayette, Colorado; Carol Jackson, Lafayette, Colorado, and Teena Albert and husband, Tony of Omaha; 3 sons: Joe Thramer and wife Nancy, Spalding, Chuck Thramer & wife RoseAnn of Omaha; Pat Thramer and wife, Deb, Ewing; 28 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren; 2 sisters, Alice Funk, Clearwater, and Bernadine Walnofer and husband Bob, O’Neill; and brother, Cletus Thramer and wife, Yvonne, Ewing.
Alex was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved daughter, Bev Thramer, his grandson, Joshua Thramer, sister Loretta Tagel and his brother, Mark Thramer; and a host of extended family members and friends.
Condolences may be sent to that family at www.snidermemorial.com
Snider Memorial Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
