Obituary of Carol Ann Cramer

Carol Ann Cramer passed away on Thursday August 29th in her Bloomington, Minnesota residence. Carol was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend to many. Carol was born in 1938 in Lake City, Iowa and subsequently moved with her family to Dubuque, Iowa. She attended the University of Dubuque where she received a teaching degree in elementary education. Carol started her 35-year teaching career in Dubuque but spend most of her adult life living and teaching in Arvada, Colorado. Carol was recognized by the Rocky Mountain News and Denver Channel 4 in 1990 as a Teacher Who Makes a Difference in Colorado. Carol frequently heard from her former students and their parents about the positive impact she made in the classroom. While living in Colorado, Carol was active in the Democratic Party, volunteering for elected officials including Senator Gary Hart and Senator and Congressman Tim Wirth. In retirement, she also dedicated her time supporting the Arvada Police Department. Carol moved to a Presbyterian Homes independent living apartment in fall, 2019 to be closer to her immediate family. Carol was a lifelong fan of the Minnesota Twins, recalling listening to games on WCCO radio during annual family vacations at Lake Ada near Pine River, Minnesota and attending games at Metropolitan Stadium, the Metrodome and Target Field. She kept meticulous records of every game to make sure the local paper printed the correct statistics the following day. Carol is preceded in death by her parents, Gaylord and Esther Couchman, and sisters, Barb French, and Mary Beerling. Carol is survived by her two loving sons, Steve (Debbie); Scott (Leigh Ann and stepson, Kyle). Carol treasured her granddaughters Anna Cramer (Des Moines, IA) and Maggie Cramer (Minneapolis). Carol is also survived by her brother, John Couchman (Peggy) as well as many nieces, nephews, and their families. Throughout her life, Carol always supported organizations that focused on helping those in need. Memorials can be sent to YouthLink in Minneapolis, www.youthlink.org, 41 North 12th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55403.