Arlene (Klaustermeyer) Kramer

1935-2026

Arlene (Klaustermeyer) Kramer, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and church leader, passed away after a courageous journey with Lewy Body dementia. She was born on December 29, 1935, in Orange, California, to Alvin and Gertrude Klaustermeyer.

Raised in Orange, Arlene attended St. John’s Lutheran School and Orange High School, where she was an athlete and president of the Girls’ League. After graduation, she traveled to Kansas to attend St. John’s Lutheran College, where she met the love of her life, Loren Kramer. Following five years of courtship, they married at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Orange on July 6, 1958.

Arlene began her career as a teacher and later partnered with Loren throughout his ministry. The couple moved to Goleta in 1959, where they helped establish Lutheran congregations and served the UCSB community. Together they raised three children—Mark, Kati, and Karen—and spent more than 26 years serving at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Arlene was known for her teaching, hospitality, sewing talents, and devotion to children and families.

In 1985, the family relocated to Dana Point when Loren became District President of the Pacific Southwest District of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. There, Arlene became a mentor and advocate for pastors’ wives, leading retreats and Bible studies for many years. She also worked at the Orange County Public Library, enjoyed gardening, travel, reading, and maintaining lifelong friendships through heartfelt letters. Her greatest joy was her family.

Arlene is survived by her husband, Loren; children Mark Kramer (Cary Littell), Kati Bennett (Tom), and Karen Wilson (Rand); six grandchildren; and one great-grandson; brother Jim Klaustermeyer (Judy); and many extended family members and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held July 27 at noon at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Orange. Memorial donations may be made to Concordia University Irvine Scholarships, in honor of Kramer Family Endowment fund.