Help Honor Shane Kramer's Memory and Support His Family

On Thursday night, October 24, 2024, my father, Shane Kramer, lost his fight with pneumonia and took his final breath. To say we are devastated and heartbroken is an understatement. Although we knew it was serious, he was critically ill after all, battling multiple infections and sepsis, we always expected him to come home to us. My dad was such a fighter. Up until the end, we had hope that he would pull through. We are still in shock, trying to figure out how to navigate this world without his presence and love to guide us. Nothing will ever be the same. I grieve, not just for the wonderful father, grandfather, and husband who was lost, but for my niece and nephew, who will not get the chance to hear grandpa’s stories, learn life lessons in a way that only my dad could deliver, and experience his wit and wicked sense of humor.

My name is Katrina Kramer. I took my dad to the ER on Sept 29th because my dad was having trouble breathing. He fought me all the way. He was concerned about co-pays…about money. He assured us that whatever was going on could wait until he saw his primary in a week. My dad taught me how to argue and I used those skills to convince him, this could not wait a week. That night started a nearly 4-week journey that I wish had a happier ending.

Through all the ups and downs, we fought for my dad. We pushed back. We asked questions. By week three, my dad made a comeback. The nurses all came to see him and gawk. They called him the Comeback Kid. He was taken off the ventilator. He was breathing on his own. After being on a ventilator for 22 days, within a day, he was awake. He said his name. Less than 24 hours later, he was gone. We still can’t believe it.

Losing Shane has caused more than just heartache. My dad always managed the finances. Without him, my mom is lost. With these unexpected funeral and burial costs on top of the medical bills (my mom has been battling cancer, first colon, then ovarian), regular trips to Stanford for treatment, expensive medications, and home improvements that were put off, my mom is overwhelmed. We are all overwhelmed.

We are reaching out to ask for help. The money we raise will be used first and foremost to make sure my dad receives a good end-of-life celebration, service, and burial. Shane deserves to be celebrated. He lived a life of service and did a lot of good while he was here.

He was a proud Kiwanian (Kiwanis Club of San Luis Obispo) who loved discussing the organization. He was a very active member until he semi-retired and started making annual trips to Nebraska. I have such fond memories of the whole family joining him for service projects and club events.

My dad found Christ as a Cal Poly student and he took his faith very seriously. His home church was the Nazarene Church here in San Luis Obispo. My dad loved spreading the Word. He enjoyed the discussion but he was always respectful of other views. Many of our longtime friends may remember my parents from their childhood since our folks helped out with the children's group when we were kids.

My dad strongly believed in leading by example. Walk the walk. He believed that we all have talents and skills that can be used in service to others. To that end, he offered low-cost and free legal services for most of his career through CLIPP and The Law Store. He was always generous with his time and he loved to share his knowledge. If we had friends or family in need of legal advice, he was there. He advocated for victims’ rights through C.O.V.E.R. He spearheaded victim rights and training programs as a law student at McGeorge School of Law at the University of the Pacific.

He lived a rich, full life on his terms. I just wish we had more time and that his final chapter wasn’t cut short.

My mom and dad loved each other deeply. They were true soulmates. Whatever money is left will be used to buy a burial plot for my mom so she can be laid to rest next to my dad when her time comes. The rest will be used to cover the medical bills that are sure to come and to make improvements to our lot, so we don’t lose our home.

My parents live in a mobile home park. Shortly before my dad went into the hospital, he received a list of improvements that needed to be completed, or they would be evicted. The park management has been kind enough to give us an extension given the circumstances, but we know that will not last forever.

Any amount you can contribute is greatly appreciated. If you are unable to contribute, please share our story with your family and friends. It would mean a lot to us. My mom Bridgette, my sisters Dom and Cece, my brother Mike, and I thank you!