Tena Kramer

Tena Kramer passed away peacefully with family by her side on July 19, 2022 at the age of 98.  She joins her parents, George and Jennie Kramer in heaven along with her infant sister, Jacoba, her brother, John Kramer and sister, Sylvia Hannink.

Born in Sanborn, Iowa on July 16, 1924 the oldest of nine children.  Tena leaves behind her sisters, Josie Vander Plaats, Alice Kootstra, Henrietta Vis, her brothers, Jake Kramer, Ted Kramer (Theresa) and many nieces and nephews. Tena was also a great and great-great aunt to many whom she loved and prayed for daily.

Her family moved to Bellflower, California where she attended the Christian school, Tena was a nanny there until her family moved to Modesto in 1945.  She then went to MJC and was in the college’s first graduating class of 1954 in the nursing program.  Tena began her career as a nurse for Modesto City Hospital for a few years then for a pediatrician’s office for over 35 years.  She retired at age 67 to care for her aging parents and continued to shower her family with love.

Tena enjoyed her time in the garden growing flowers, fruits and vegetables and baking her special prune cake and chocolate chip cookies.  She liked to knit, crochet, read and to travel when she had the chance.  Her special mission was helping to care for her late nephew, Eddy Kramer and they enjoyed listening to church services together.  She made an impact in Eddy’s life and always said God is faithful and takes care of His children.  She lived by example and was an inspiration to us all.  A pillar of quiet strength and unconditional love.  “I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.”  Psalm 26:1.

Our aunt Tena has a great understanding of the world but never judged, instead, she accepted everyone with her caring heart, just as Jesus would.  She was more than just a well-loved nurse but a teacher as well.  She spent many volunteer hours helping others in her humble quiet way.  She enjoyed teaching children Christian hymns while singing to them.  She loved reading books to them too and after moving to Beth Haven in Ripon, she enjoyed taking walks with her great-great nieces and nephews and would give them rides on her walker showing others her much loved family.

Her last few years were spent in Bethany Home making new friends though she missed attending her Modesto Christian Reformed Church.  We have precious memories with her visiting and reminiscing about our blessing from the Lord.  She was always a great source of support and guidance.  One of her great nephews summed up what we all feel, “We are going to miss you so much, great aunt Tena.  Thank you for all the wisdom, love and positivity you brought into the world…may you rest peacefully as you watch over us.  Love you always.”

A visitation is scheduled for Thursday, August 4th from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Deegan Ripon Memorial Chapel.  A graveside service will be held at Burwood Cemetery in Escalon on Friday, August 5th at 10:00 AM followed by a memorial service at Modesto Christian Reformed Church; 2620 College Ave in Modesto at 11:30 AM.  Tena loved flowers and would rather us plant them to enjoy in our gardens and instead donate in her memory to Bethany Home; 930 W. Main Street Ripon, CA, 95366 or Sierra Salem Christian Homes; c/o Debbie Mensonides, 1805 Woodland Ave Modesto, CA, 95358.