08/30/2026
Stephen P. "Steve" Kramer
Stephen P. “Steve” Kramer
4/8/85 to 8/29/26
Stephen “Steve” Kramer, beloved husband, father, son, brother, and faithful servant of God, passed away on August 29, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with blood cancer.
Steve grew up in Springfield Ohio alongside his identical twin brother, Jeffrey, and his older brother, Robert. He graduated from Springfield North High School in 2003. Growing up, Steve was a gifted student and dedicated athlete who participated in wrestling, cross country, track, football, and soccer. Of all the sports he played, wrestling was by far his favorite.
After high school, Steve attended the University of Toledo for his undergraduate studies and went on to earn his Doctor of Physical Therapy from Ohio University. Following graduate school, Steve moved to Tyler, Texas, where he began his career as a physical therapist. It was there that he met his coworker and, ultimately, the love of his life, Nichole.
After a couple years in Texas, Steve and Nichole relocated to Minnesota. They were married on April 28, 2017, beginning a beautiful life together. They were blessed with three children: Ezra, Aksel, Ingrid. Steve often said that he felt he was born to be a dad, and those who knew him could see how deeply he cherished that role. His family was his greatest joy and his greatest pride.
Moving north brought Steve new adventures and interests. He learned to ice fish, cross-country ski, and curl, embracing the Minnesota lifestyle with the same determination he brought to everything else.
Steve dedicated his professional life to caring for others as a physical therapist. Anyone who knew Steve knew how deeply he cared for his patients. He gave his heart and soul to each person he treated, always putting others before himself. He was selfless, compassionate, and deeply committed to helping people.
Steve had an incredible memory, particularly when it came to sports and history. He could be quiet and serious, but those close to him knew his great sense of humor. Once Steve began talking about a subject, he was passionate about, he could go on and on, sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with anyone willing to listen.
Above all, Steve had a deep and unwavering love for Jesus and the Catholic faith. He was member of Blessed Sacrament church and the Knights of Columbus. Even through the long and grueling battle with cancer, he never lost his faith. His faith was an inspiration to many who witnessed his perseverance and trust in God. During his many hospitalizations, Steve went through the entire Bible in a year, continually prayed the Rosary, and sought the intercession of many saints. He held firmly to the words he often repeated: “God is good all the time, all the time God is good.”
Steve’s faith, courage, kindness, and love will remain an enduring example to all who knew him. Steve is survived by his beloved wife, Nichole (Fairbanks) and their three children, Ezra (8), Aksel (6), and Ingrid (3). He is also survived by his identical twin brother, Jeffrey (Kate) Kramer, and their three children; his older brother, Robert (Jaime) Kramer, and their two daughters; his mother Cynthia Abraham (Gary Carter), his father Thomas Kramer (Lucy Kramer). He was also extremely close with Nichole’s family including her parents Bill and Sandy Fairbanks, and Nichole’s sisters Mandy (Austin) Walters and their 2 sons, Sarah (Dane) Porcelli and their daughter as well as extended family, friends, colleagues, patients, and all those whose lives he touched. Steve will be deeply missed, but his love, his courage, his faith, and the example he gave through his life will live on in his family and in all who were fortunate enough to know him. May he rest in the peace of Christ.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, William and Norma Abraham, along with his paternal grandparents, Lowell and Georgia Kramer.
Funeral services for Steve will be 12:00 pm, Thursday, September 3, 2026, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Hibbing. The Rev. Fr. Bill Skarich will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial. The Rev. Fr. Nick Nelson will con-celebrate the Mass. Visitation will be from 10:00 am until the 12:00 noon Mass at the church on Thursday. Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery of Hibbing. Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing.
To leave an online message of condolence, please visit us at; www.doughertyofhibbing.com.
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