Donald Alvin Kramer, 81, passed away on September 28, 2024, at Avera McKennan Hospital following a heart attack, after a series of surgeries. Don was born on May 30, 1943, in Yankton, SD, to Alvin and Maxine Kramer. He grew up on a farm in rural Hartington, NE, attending TipTop Country School through the eighth grade and graduating in 1960 from Holy Trinity High School in Hartington. He attended Wayne State College for one year, then worked for the State of Nebraska for two years, after which he returned to Wayne State to complete his accounting degree.

Don began his accounting career with a firm in Yankton, SD. In 1975, he moved to Sioux Falls, SD, to work for Jerald B. Davis, CPA. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found Jones & Kramer CPA with Mike Jones in 1983. Four years later, following the death of Mike Jones, Tom Haber joined the team, forming the respected accounting firm Jones, Kramer, and Haber CPA.  Don and Tom practiced together until Don's retirement in 2009.

On March 1, 1980, Don married Ty Ann Tounsley in Sioux Falls SD. Their union was blessed with two children, Julie (born in 1981) and John (born in 1983). Don took great pride in his family, and his joy only grew with the addition of his four beloved grandchildren—Max and Thomas (Julie and Nathanael Williams) and Samson and Calla (John and Alyson Kramer). Don's grandchildren brought him immense joy, unless they were being "too loud" as he would tease. They were a source of strength and comfort through his last years of medical challenges.

In retirement, Don enjoyed participating in the "table of knowledge," a group of men who gathered daily for coffee - first at Sunshine Foods and later at Hy-Vee - where they spent countless hours solving the world's problems and, occasionally, creating new ones.

While Don was proud of his professional achievements and the relationships he built with clients, that blossomed into lifelong friendships, one of his proudest contributions was helping the family of his friend, Yuy Chhen, complete the Szechwan Restaurant on 41st and Kiwanis after the proprietor's untimely passing.

Don's personality was larger than life, marked by his quick wit and habit of playful teasing—often directed at waitresses, much to the embarrassment of his children. He had an opinion on everything, and freely shared it. His humor and booming laughter will be forever imprinted on the hearts of all who knew him. Don had a deep love for sports, whether watching, coaching, or cheering for his children and favorite teams. He also enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate in sports, sometimes traveling hours just to catch a game.

Don is survived by his wife, Ty Ann; his children, Julie (Nathanael) Williams of Gettysburg, SD  and John (Alyson) Kramer of Sioux Falls; his cherished grandchildren, Max and Thomas Williams and Samson and Calla Kramer; his siblings, Pat (Dick) Kuehn - Hartington, NE, Joan (Bob) Meier - Omaha NE, and Dan (Renee) Kramer - Yankton, SD; many beloved nieces, nephews; mother-in-Law, Marilyn Tounsley - Huron, SD and brothers-in-law, Randy (Kathy) Tounsley - Huron, SD, Bret (Crystal) Tounsley - Madison, SD, and Ryan (Elina) Tounsley - Walland, TN.   He was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Maxine Kramer, baby sister Jeanne and father-in-Law, Jack Tounsley.

Don lost many friends over the years and always joked that they'd be waiting for him in heaven. He found solace in reading the obituaries each morning, never failing to give a quick nod of appreciation for a life well lived. So, thank you for coming to our Ted Talk—Don would be amused that he's the subject of his own.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30am, on October 4, 2024, at Christ the King Church in Sioux Falls, SD.  Lunch immediately to follow Mass and interment to follow lunch at St. Michael Cemetery in Sioux Falls.  Visitation will be held from 5pm-7pm on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at Miller Funeral Home-Westside Chapel (6200 W. 41st St) with a prayer service beginning at 6:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, Don requests donations be made to Christ the King Catholic School in Sioux Falls, SD or to Gettysburg School District in Gettysburg, SD.