Roger D. Kramer

Gorham - Roger D. Kramer, 71, of Ossipee Trail, passed away peacefully at home with his loving family by his side on June 3, 2017. Roger was born to the late Darrell and Grace (Dove) Kramer in Annapolis, Maryland on August 14, 1945. He was a 3rd son of a 3rd son of a 3rd son. Roger was married to Nancy J. Moffett on December 31, 1963. Their love story began in their teenage years, and at the tender ages of 18/18, one night Roger knocked on Nancy's door and asked if she was ready to get married. Wearing a black dress and bringing a white one along, they set out for South Carolina. They found out along the way that Smithfield, North Carolina was an 18/18 marriage state, and so there they went. Upon arrival and very limited funds, a church wedding was not an option, and as it turned out, there was no time for a clothes change. So though the story has much more detail, Roger and Nancy ended up being married by a Justice of Peace in the back of a Sherman Williams Paint Store with a pawn shop ring that Roger had purchased for a $1.25. This humble and unassuming wedding was the beginning of a fruitful and devoted 53 year marriage. Roger was known for his love and devotion to his wife, Nancy, and his entire family. Their relationship and commitment to one another was open, honest and set the standard for those who knew them. Together, they raised 3 loving children, and along with their spouses, had 8 grandchildren, and 4 living great grandchildren with 1 great grandchild on the way. Above all else in life, Roger always put God first and then family above everything he did, and nothing came before them. He was a great defender of the Bible and with his wife, they raised their family on the foundation of Christ Jesus, and taught biblical principles to all his family. Roger was a loving and nurturing father who made his relationship with Christ and his family the focal point of his life. Both he and Nancy instilled in their children from a very young age the importance of togetherness and prayer, which carried through to the rest of the family as it grew. The times Roger enjoyed the most were when he was with his wife Nancy, and his family. Both Roger and Nancy created the traditions that the family know to this day, which included celebrating their wedding anniversary on New Year's Eve surrounded by family and friends. Tradition was important, whether celebrating a birthday or a holiday. He would say it was hard work, but worth it. And the memories that he gave to his family will always be remembered. At an early age Roger knew the meaning of hard work. He came from a line of excavation and construction along with farming and carpentry. His beginnings were humble. Roger wore many hats at an early age, from working at serving ice cream, being a milkman, working at refilling vending machines, excavation and construction and finally insurance, which would become his profession and life long career. Roger excelled in the Insurance Industry. He was the youngest licensed insurance agent in Maryland at the age of 19. He sold debit insurance for many years. When he went to work with Mutual of Omaha, he became a top selling agent. In 1975, Roger moved his family from Maryland to Maine where he became one of the top ten selling agents for E.F. Hutton Life, and the first agent in Maine to sell Universal Life insurance. Roger was in personal production until the late 1970's, when his knowledge of the business moved him into managing agent's, which became his passion in mentoring, and teaching the many agent's who he would have the honor of working with and developing friendships with throughout the rest of his career. Together with his daughter, he owned and operated American Financial Network, Inc. His creative ability and knowledge of the business was unique and well sought after from those he knew in the industry. He was a man of integrity and character. Though it was his business, it was very much a ministry to him as he knew he was doing his absolute best to help others. Throughout his career, he became very involved with the medical side of insurance, focusing on impaired risk. This is where he developed a passion for researching medical issues, and even wrote a book on diabetes, having faced diabetes himself. This side of him became a passion that would last him the rest of his life, and also became a ministry to share the knowledge that the Lord had given him to help others in their time of need. An avid reader, Roger thoroughly enjoyed spending time in his library and reading a vast array of books from Christian literature to Medical. Roger liked only non-fiction and thrived on learning. In his early collections, he had a vast array of "do it yourself" books. Based on the experiences he had and the knowledge gained and always with the Lord's leading and guidance, he accomplished many projects around his home and property from electrical installations, carpentry, landscaping, excavating, sheet rocking, and building. These were self taught skills that he would eventually pass on to his sons, daughter and grandchildren. Roger will be deeply missed by family and friends. But, as his family will tell you, they will see him again one day in heaven and they know that he is now at home with the Lord. In addition to his parents, Roger is predeceased by his brother, David C. Kramer and wife Cecilia; great-granddaughter, Lauren. Roger is survived by his devoted wife, Nancy J. of Gorham; loving children, Jeffrey S. Kramer and wife Teresa L., Roger W. Kramer and wife Stephanie J. and Pamela J. Kramer, all of Gorham. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jillian and husband Jacob Varney, Katelyn, Sarah, Elizabeth, Joshua and wife Grace, Darrell and wife Katelyn, Jacob and Amy; great-grandchildren, Logan, Luke, Aria, and Adelyn; brother, D. Wayne Kramer and wife Carolyn A. of Maryland; many nieces and nephews. Visiting Hours will be held on Thursday, June 8 from 5-8PM at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Roger's Funeral Service will be held on Friday, June 9 at 1PM at the Deering Center Community Church, 4 Brentwood Street, Portland with Pastor Don Drake officiating. Burial to follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Portland. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Root Cellar, 94 Washington Ave, Portland, ME 04101 or the Deering Center Community Church Bell Tower Fund, 4 Brentwood Street, Portland, Maine 04103