Donovan “Donny” Russell Kramer, 99, Hayfield
Donovan “Donny” Russell Kramer, 99 years and 3 months, passed away peacefully on Palm Sunday, March 29, 2026, at Field Crest Care Center in Hayfield, MN surrounded by his family.
Donny was born on January 3, 1927, the youngest of nine children. Born to Gustave and Emma (Baudoin) Kramer. He was born on the farm and at age 14 (8th grade) he quit school so he and his brother, Lenny could run the farm after their father’s death. They farmed together until they decided to start their own farming operations, only a mile apart. They were part of the Karmer Family Century Farm.
Don was united in marriage to Donna Mae Mussman on September 6, 1948, in Claremont, MN. They raised 4 sons; Terry, Tim, Tom, and Ted. Donny loved his family and farming. In the early days he raised crops and milked cows with the help of Donna and the boys. He continued helping on the farm well into his 90s even driving semi at age 95! Farming the land was truly his passion. Always interested in what was going on at the farm while living at the Villa in Hayfield and later at Fieldcrest Care Center in Hayfield, MN.
Don was a craftsman. He could build and fix anything. The woodshop and machine shop is where he spent any free time he might have. He and Donna loved watching their children and grandchildren participate in various sporting activities. They were prominent fixtures in the bleachers at Hayfield High School for many decades. Even being inducted into the Hayfield Athletic Hall of Fame as boosters.
They also loved traveling in their motor home with their club and camping. They wintered in Arizona in their motor home for several years. They loved dancing, playing cards, and spending time with neighbors and brothers and sisters-in-law.
Donny was a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church in Hayfield, MN. He was baptized and confirmed at that church. He loved God, his family, friends, and the land. He was an inspiration to all that knew him.
Donny is survived by his three sons, Tim of St. Paul, Tom (LaVae) of Hayfield,, Ted (Jane) of Hayfield, ; daughter-in-law, Kathy of Crosby, Minn. ; twelve loving grandchildren and thirty-three and a half great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; all of his eight siblings; his beloved wife, Donna on September 25, 2013; his oldest son, Terry on June 26, 2014; and dear friend, Martha Beaver. They are all dearly missed.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 4, 2026, at the First Presbyterian Church, 109 Main St in Hayfield, MN. Visitation will be from 4 -7 p.m. Friday, April 3, 2026, at Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 501 2nd St NW in Hayfield, Minn. and one hour prior to his service at the church. Inurnment will be held at a later date in Fairview Cemetery in Hayfield, Minn.