Richard Raymond Kramer of Fort Collins, CO passed away unexpectedly on November 8, 2025, far too soon for all who loved him.

Born in New York City on July 7, 1948, he graduated from the University of Buffalo, where he earned his bachelor’s degree and began work toward his master’s. He served his country as an Army medic in the Vietnam War, an experience that shaped his strength, humility, compassion and resilience. Though he carried that chapter quietly, his bravery was recognized with the Air Medal with Valor and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm. After returning home, and with encouragement from his brother Robert who was living in Colorado at the time, he moved west in 1977 to begin a new chapter. Colorado quickly became the place he proudly called home for the rest of his life.

For more than 30 years Rich brought joy and inspiration to generations of students as a teacher at O’Dea Elementary School, a career that reflected his love of helping others. His favorite saying captured his spirit perfectly, “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.” He loved teaching so much that he often joked he wasn’t going to work, he was going to school.

Rich is survived by the mother of his children, Jacquelyn Kramer, with whom he shared a lifelong bond while raising four children. In 2005 he married Lisa Keyton, and together they shared over two decades of growth, adventure and family.

He was the devoted father of four children:

– Mychal Richard Christopher Kramer, 42, of Fort Collins, CO

– Brandyn Jack Raymond Kramer, 37, of Fort Collins, CO

– Alexander Frederick Ellis Kramer, 34, of Berlin, Germany

– Tifannie Jacquelyn Maurina Lombardo, 30, of New York, NY, and her spouse Nicholas Lombardo

Nothing brought him more happiness than becoming “Poppa.” He adored his grandsons, Landyn Richard Kramer (born April 14, 2022) and Axel Nicholas Lombardo (born March 23, 2025). They were the light of his world and the pride of his life.

A lifelong lover of the Beatles, golf, the Denver Broncos, the New York Yankees and pretty much anything involving sports, Rich brought an easy enthusiasm to the things he loved. He also had a fondness for the number 7, a theme that followed him throughout his life, from being born on 7/07, getting his first dog Lucky at the age of 7, to his admiration for John Elway and even leaving us at 77. Whether cheering on a favorite team, sharing music or spending time outdoors, he had a gift for finding joy in life’s simple pleasures.

Family and friends will remember Rich for his authenticity, quiet strength, easy humor and the steady support he offered everyone around him.

Rich was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Ina Kramer, and by his sister, Susan Rohan.

He is survived by his brothers, Robert Kramer and his spouse Laurie, Randall Kramer and his spouse Theresa, his brother-in-law Dennis Rohan, his nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly, and his stepson, Joshua Keyton and step-grandchild Sawyer Keyton, cherished members of his extended family.

A celebration of his life will be held at Horsetooth Reservoir on January 7, 2026. Please contact the family directly for details. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Poudre School District Foundation, a veterans’ organization or a charity of your choice, in honor of his love of teaching, service and the heart he brought to all who knew him.