Charles ‘Chuck’ David Kramer

Charles “Chuck” David Kramer was born Aug. 3, 1954. He was diagnosed with ALS in January 2020. He died peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family on Jan. 6, 2022.

He was born in Saginaw, Michigan and moved to Midland, Michigan where he spent his childhood with his parents and three sisters. He attended college at Michigan Tech, graduating with a Masters in Chemical Engineering. This was a special place and time where he met and later married his sweetheart Susan “Sue.”

After college, they headed west to Washington, lured by the beauty of Mount Rainier.

Chuck worked at the Weyerhaeuser pulp mill until it closed, and they raised four wonderful and adventuresome children outside of Montesano. He was active in the Montesano Youth Soccer Program and spent countless hours recording, refereeing and cheering on many children (his own and others) at soggy soccer games.

Later, he and Sue moved closer to the mountain, making their new home in Enumclaw, and Chuck continued his love of science and youth by teaching at South Puget Sound Community College.

While Chuck left this world too soon, he left a legacy of love and laughter with all who knew him. He was a man of generous spirit, sharp intellect, genuine kindness and endless humor. He was a handy Mr. Fix It with almost anything, rebuilding car engines, computers, redoing two houses top to bottom, and just general tinkering. He loved telling stories and could always laugh (and make you laugh) about his many mistakes and accidents. His favorite quote to his grandkids was “If you aren’t falling, you aren’t learning.” He was a passionate powder hound, skiing the deepest and steepest he could find. He loved to push his body to its limit and beyond; he was a man of incredible mental toughness. He and Sue loved being outdoors and passed that love to all of their children.

Most importantly, he cared deeply for his family and friends. He was a beloved husband and best friend of 45 years to Sue; and the most awesome dad to four children (and father-in-law to their spouses); and an adored and devoted grandpa to his five grandchildren. He was a caring and steadfast brother to his three sisters; and a cherished uncle to many nieces and nephews.

In line with his love of science and learning, Chuck chose to have his body donated to the University of Washington. There will not be a service as Chuck’s request was for friends and family to celebrate him in their own ways, through memories, laughter, stories or skiing!

In lieu of flowers, donations to the following organizations are suggested: ALS Association Evergreen Chapter or the Washington National Park Fund.

We will always picture him on a snowy slope, skiing through deep powder and laughing with pure joy. We hope you remember him this way, too.