Jerome (Jerry)’s Obituary
With love and sadness, we announce the passing of Jerome (Jerry) Anthony Joseph
Kramps on April 26, 2021, in Valleyview, AB.
Jerry was born to parents Anthony and Caroline Kramps on July 5, 1937, in Crooked
Creek, Alberta. He was a premature baby, weighing less than four pounds, and was born in a
log cabin. Due to the excellent care that his mother and aunts provided him, Jerry thrived
despite the challenging conditions. Jerry was the oldest of seven children. He enjoyed an
adventurous childhood with his siblings and cousins in Crooked Creek. Jerry enrolled at
Fairview College in 1956 and was President of the Student Council. He graduated with the
highest mark in Animal Sciences in 1957. A quote from his yearbook reads, « a boy wise beyond
his years, who contributed unselfishly of his talents of leadership throughout his two terms at
FSA. » Shortly after, he moved to Calgary to complete his apprenticeship and became certified in
Welding, Motor Vehicle Mechanics, and Heavy Duty Mechanics. Jerry had an entrepreneurial
spirit and owned and operated: Esso service stations in the Valleyview and Sturgeon Heights
areas, Smoky River Welding Ltd., Birch Hill Farm (Logging/Farming) Ltd., and Golden Peace
Water Well Drilling Ltd.
During Jerry’s apprenticeship, he met Shirley Smith (of Ponoka, Alberta) at a Calgary
Stampede street dance in July. The couple were married nine months later, on April 23, 1960,
and celebrated their 61st Wedding Anniversary (via zoom) 3 days before Jerry passed away.
Jerry and Shirley raised three boys and one daughter on their farm. As a father, he
encouraged and supported all four of his children in their various musical, athletic and
educational pursuits. He was incredibly proud that all four children received their bachelor
degrees from the University of Alberta.
Jerry developed type 2 diabetes in his early 50’s and suffered a massive heart attack in
Due to the excellent care of Dr. Schwagman and the nursing staff of the Valleyview
hospital, Jerry successfully managed his diabetes and heart health for over 30 years. Recently,
this success was a part of a study through the Mazankowski Heart Institute, which focused on
investigating the factors that led to Jerry’s longevity.
Jerry was a voracious reader; he enjoyed music and loved being out in the yard and
field. He was a very social person and enjoyed visiting daily with his friends at the ESSO coffee
shop in Valleyview. His grandchildren often marvelled at the popularity their grandfather
enjoyed!
In February of 2020, Jerry’s wife Shirley was admitted into the long-term care facility in
Valleyview, and the couple was isolated from each other due to the pandemic. The social
gatherings Jerry enjoyed were shut down too. At this time, Jerry’s mental health began to
decline, and his family noticed a rapid onset of dementia. Between July 2020 and April 2021,
Jerry battled shingles, pneumonia, and several TIA’s (mini-stroke). In February, he was
permanently admitted to the long-term care unit. One silver lining to his admittance into care
was that Jerry and Shirley were finally reunited.
On the night of his 61st wedding anniversary, Jerry most likely had another mini-stroke.
He passed away peacefully in the Valleyview Long Term Care facility in the very early hours of
April 26. Jerry’s family would like to extend their deepest and heartfelt thanks to Jerry’s past
doctor, Dr. Schwegmann and his current doctor, Dr. Verberg, Nurses Kathy Mycek and Kathy
Czban, and the entire Valleyview nursing staff for their excellent and compassionate care. The
family is very grateful that this level of care is available to the Valleyview and area residents.
Jerry was predeceased by his parents, his brothers, Micheal (1997) and Robert (2003),
his niece Roberta (1970), his sister-in-law Winnifred Smith (2013), his brothers-in-law: Bill
(Pearl) Gregor (1999), Ken Smith (2010).
He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Shirley, his sons James, Kevin, Darcy and
his daughter Michele, his daughter-in-law Jodi (James) and son-in-law Ian (Michele) and his
grandchildren Kelsey and Zachary, his sister Pearl, his sisters-in-law, Cherry (Robert), Kathy
Smith(Ken) and Marilyn (Micheal) and his brothers and their wives, Eugene (Shirley), Tony
(Susan) and David(Arlene), his brother-in-law Louis Smith(Winnie)and numerous nieces,
nephews, and cousins.
Due to COVID-19 Restrictions, the family will hold a private memorial service once the
restrictions are lifted.
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Jerome Jerry Kramps July 5 1937 April 26 2021..
Chapel of Memories Funeral Homes & Crematorium
Décès pour la Ville: Fairview, Province: Alberta