Sutton resident Norris Dean Kramer, 73, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025, at his farm near Sutton.

Norris Dean Kramer was born Oct. 27, 1951, in Yankton, SD, to Willard and Kathryn (Goering) Kramer. He received his education in Freeman, SD, and obtained his associate’s degree in agriculture business at Freeman Jr. College. He married Bonita Huebert Dec. 29, 1971, in Henderson. Norris and Bonnie spent two years in Portland, OR, doing voluntary service and spreading God’s word to underprivileged people. Then in 1976, Norris had an opportunity to rent a few acres near Sutton, where they moved and have lived ever since. He believed in hard work and living with integrity and as a result of that, he was able to rent more land and the farm grew. He always said he loved agriculture and farming because it was one of the few occupations that was on a yearly basis, so you could evaluate how you did and make it better the next year. He also loved and believed in involving kids and eventually grandkids on the farm at a young age.

While he loved agriculture and farming, Norris’s mission in life was to love God and love others. His faith was very evident by the note cards with scriptures written out that were in every tractor and pickup that he may have been driving. He spent time daily in the Bible and he and his family were always active in their church. He lived out his faith by being quick to help those in need, whether it was someone needing a ride somewhere or an opportunity at employment. He was compassionate and believed in second chances and forgiveness.

Several years ago, Norris saw a need for food for some underprivileged families in a neighboring community and would get excess food from grocery stores or sometimes just buy it. Then he would deliver it to those families while also giving him the opportunity to pray with them and give them Bible verse cards.

While he loved life on earth and will be greatly missed by many, his earthly mission was over too soon for us, but we will see him again and his legacy of faith and family will go on.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Kramer; son, Brent and Jennifer Kramer (Treygen, Braelyn, Allieya, Seylah, Kalyna, and Jaelyanna); daughter, Annthie Hinton (Kaylor and Kambrie); daughter, Kaylee and Matt Jennings (Henlee and Hendrix); son, Bryce and Chelsea Kramer (Calleigh and Everett); and two brothers, Ronnie Kramer and Charles and Rebecca Kramer.

He was preceded in death by Willard and Kathryn Kramer. Memorial services were at 11 a.m., Monday, Sept. 15, 2025, at the Evangelical Free Church in Geneva with Pastor Jeff Jensen officiating. Private burial was at the Sutton Cemetery in Sutton.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Crossroads Mission in Hastings.