PATRICIA ANN KRAMER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP | Mr. & Mrs. James R. Kramer and Daniel Kramer

Contact: Mr. and Mrs. James R. Kramer and Mr. Daniel R. Kramer

With Pat Kramer’s love of Rock Valley College and her students, coupled with her passion for international travel, it only makes sense to our family to establish a memorial scholarship to honor the memory of our sister, friend, and colleague. I truly believe she’d be touched to know that her commitment to education could continue beyond her years at RVC.

As Pat’s brother, I can remember countless holidays and gatherings where she’d come with students and friends who were not able to be with family for the occasion. Pat never met a stranger and her relationships knew few boundaries, much like her many travels. Pat had an appreciation for culture and explorations, which often drew her to spend many summers in third world countries without the luxuries that so many of us are accustom to. She’d work diligently throughout the school year at RVC, only to pack up and set off to Costa Rica for the summer. I’m certain her love of travel played a role in her presence and sense of adventure in the classroom. I know that I am biased, but I believe that Pat brought her passion for travel and learning to the students in her classroom giving them something to remember beyond the end of the semester.
As we head into a new year, we’re excited to partner with the Rock Valley College Foundation on a memorial scholarship honoring Pat. Any donations to this scholarship fund will support future students at RVC with financial need, along with a preference for an international student wishing to create their own American dream. We believe that Pat’s passion for education and travel will both be honored through this fund, while allowing her legacy to live on in the students who will be impacted by our support. With over 700 students applying for support through RVC Foundation scholarships in 2013, the need is greater than ever and we’d love the opportunity to impact even one of those 700 students in 2014.
Written by Pat’s brother, Dan Kramer

OBITUARY
Patricia Ann Kramer, 61, of Rockford, Illinois went to be with our Lord and Savior Thursday, November 10, 2011 in Provena CorMariae Center. Born October 28, 1950 in Rockford, daughter of Robert & Frances (Beck) Kramer. Patricia taught Composition & Literature in the English Department at Rock Valley College. She earned advanced degrees from both Rockford College and Northern Illinois University. Survivors include her three brothers, James (Robin) Kramer, Daniel (Maureen Laughlin) Kramer and Michael (Chris) Kramer; aunt, Mary Jane Niffenegger; and nieces and nephews, Allison, Jacob, Candice, Josh, Molly and Jamie. She was also an aunt to many who were not even her family. Funeral services are at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 15, 2011 in Rockford First, 5950 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, with Rev. Bob Taylor officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday in Honquest Family Funeral Home, Rockford Chapel, 4311 North Mulford Road, and from 10:00 a.m. to time of service on Tuesday in the church. Burial in Scandinavian Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Rockford Rescue Mission.