John S. Kramek

John S. Kramek, age 82, of Venice, FL, died on October 1, 2013. He was born in Poland on December 17, 1930. At the age of 10, John and his family were forcibly deported by the Russians to Siberia, where they were held for 2 ½ years. As a refugee, John, with his mother, crossed the frozen Siberian Taiga, travelling 143 miles on foot pulling a sled behind them. John's two sisters did not survive this difficult journey. John and his mother stayed at many refugee camps around the world including Colonia Santa Rosa, a Polish refugee colony in Mexico, for 2 ½ years. John finally came to the United States and settled in Michigan in 1946. He published a book, ""Refugee's Trail"" detailing his journeys. John graduated from Orchard Lake High School in Michigan. He attended the University of Detroit and then received a Master's Degree from Wayne State University. He worked as a quality control engineer for General Dynamics Tank Plant before retiring and moving to Venice in 1995. He is survived by his wife, Teresa, of Venice; sons Dave and wife Mary of Vero Beach, Wojtek of Venice, and Peter of Michigan; and two grandchildren, Jon and Hope. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Epiphany Cathedral on Monday, October 7, 2013 at 11 AM. Burial will be at Venice Memorial Gardens. Farley Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Service Information Date: Monday, October 7, 2013 Time: 11:00 am Epiphany Cathedral Catholic Church Address: 350 Tampa Ave. W., , Venice, FL, 34285 | Map Cemetery Information Date: Monday, October 7, 2013 Venice Memorial Gardens Address: 1950 Center Road, , Venice, FL, 34292 (941) 493-4246 | Map