Concordia’s First President Called to Glory

Dr. Howard Kramer, the first president of Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary, was called to glory on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.  Howard William Kramer was born in Uniontown, Perry County, Missouri on June 3, 1924. His father, William A. Kramer, was a descendant of the 800 Saxon immigrants who came to Perry County, Missouri in 1838-39 and who played a key role in the founding of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS).

Dr. Kramer graduated from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis in 1948. In 1966, he joined the faculty of Concordia College, Ann Arbor, Michigan, to teach English, New Testament, and Humanities. In 1984, he accepted the position of President of Concordia Seminary, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, and served in that capacity until his retirement in 1990. After retirement, he and his wife, Valerie, lived in Albuquerque and Las Cruces, NM; Columbia, MO; and Norman, OK, until she passed away in 2020. He returned to Columbia, MO. In his retirement, he assisted several congregations during pastoral vacancies.

This past year Dr. Kramer celebrated his 100th birthday. Even though he had retired from the seminary 34 years earlier, he remained keenly interested in the school and kept in regular contact with the current president, Dr. Winger.

Dr. Kramer’s legacy lives on not only through the countless students he taught and mentored over his 24 years in higher education but also through the ministry of three of CLTS’s current professors. Dr. Winger, Dr. Kellerman, and Dr. Korcok were all taught by Dr. Kramer at Concordia College, Ann Arbor, with Dr. Winger and Dr. Korcok studying under him at CLTS.

President Winger noted Dr. Kramer’s profound influence on this seminary during its early years: “He carried on the foundational work of Dean Humann by strengthening our ties with Brock University, increasing financial support, and calling the great faculty members that taught us in the late ’80s and ’90s. He took a keen interest in all of us, which continued long after he left St. Catharines.” Reflecting on his time as a student, Dr. Korcok fondly recalled his experience, saying: “He was a kind and gentle theologian who modelled for us a true shepherd’s heart.” Dr. Kellerman commented, “At Ann Arbor, he taught a pair of courses introducing the humanities, and I have maintained a lifelong interest in art and music because of his influence.”

Dr. Kramer married Valerie Moeller, a registered nurse, on June 27, 1948. The couple had four children, 13 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. Also surviving is his sister, Arlene Behmer of Little Rock, AR. The Lord called Valerie to himself in 2020.

The entire seminary community gives thanks to God for the gift of such a faithful servant, his steady leadership during his tenure as president, and for the many blessings received by so many people during his long ministry. We also pray for God’s comfort to his family and all who mourn his passing.

Dr. Kramer’s full obituary may be found here.

“And I heard a voice from heaven saying, ‘Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ‘Blessed indeed,’ says the Spirit, ‘that they may rest from their labours, for their deeds follow them!'” (Revelation 14:13 ESV)