Obituary For Kathryn Kramper Massey

Kathryn Kramper Massey died peacefully in her sleep after a lengthy illness on Wednesday, 24 July, 2019 at the age of 82. Kathryn Kramper was born on January 21, 1937 in Sioux City, Iowa.

She is the daughter of the late James Neff Kramper and Mary Catherine (Hurley) Kramper.

Kathryn was raised on the Dakota City, Nebraska family farm where they had livestock and crops. She was the outdoor type and would rather be with her father working in the fields than doing housework.

Kathryn grew up with three siblings, older sisters, Julia (Dyra) and recently deceased Patricia (Messner) and younger brother James. Another sister, June Marie Kramper, lived for only 1 day in May 1942. Kathryn graduated from Cathedral Grade School in Sioux City, IA and Bishop Heelan High School, also in Sioux City, IA. She was active in chorus, musicals, plays, and school events. She was a talented singer.

She graduated from St. Mary’s College in South Bend, IN in 1958 where she studied microbiology. Kathryn married James Lee Massey in 1958 and they raised four sons in South Bend, IN; Thomas Aquinas Massey (Joanne) of Evansville, IN, Robert Bellarmine Massey (Adele) of Camarillo, CA, Peter Canisius Massey of Bloomington, IN, and John Damascene Massey (Kerry) of Long Beach, CA.

Also surviving are grandchildren, Rachel, Scott, Elizabeth, Brianna, Robert, and Brittney Massey. Kathryn returned to school after raising her children and graduated from Indiana University (South Bend) with an MS in Education. Kathryn was a teacher for many of the schools including Charter Hospital. She also taught GED courses for the school corporation. Kathryn enjoyed gardening, playing bridge and attending Notre Dame Women’s basketball games while living in South Bend. Kathryn moved from South Bend to Evansville in 2015 to be closer to her family.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, Saturday, July 27, 2019 at Ziemer Funeral Home East Chapel, 800 S. Hebron Ave, Evansville, IN. A celebration of Kathryn’s life will begin at 6:00 pm at the funeral home with her brother, Deacon James Kramper, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the Massey family requests donations be made to the amazing local charity organization, “Arc of Evansville” (www.arcofevansville.org) 615 W. Virginia St., Evansville, IN 47710.

Condolences may be made online at www.ziemerfuneralhome.com.