Robert I. “Bob” Kramer
Robert I. “Bob” Kramer, age 83, of Shelby, died Friday evening, July 22, 2022 at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital following a brief illness.
Bob was born January 22, 1939 in Grosse Pointe, MI to the late Irwin and Lena Mae (Carpenter) Kramer. A 1957 graduate of Arcadia High School in Arcadia, MI, he then enlisted in the United States Army serving his country from 1957-1959. Bob was a salesman for Russell Stover for 10 years, a job that ultimately brought him to Ohio. On October 15, 1980, Bob purchased Phil’s Place in Shelby which he owned and continued to operate until his final day. Phil’s Place is Bob Kramer’s legacy- touching 4+ generations over his 42 years and building lifelong and genuine friendships.
Bob undoubtedly was a man with a big personality, something that only closely ever followed his even bigger heart. He was a friend to so many who loved him and will deeply miss him. His kindness and generosity extended to both human and wildlife whether that be through mowing lawns for others in the neighborhood or feeding the birds and various other animals that came for a visit. He also very much cherished trips to northern Michigan to play golf and go fishing with his family.
Bob is survived by his wife of 22 years, Cheryl Christine (Arter) Kramer, whom he wed on August 19, 2000; sons: Mike Kramer (Barbara) of Beulah, MI and Mitch Kramer (Danika) of Macomb, MI; step-son: Scott (Christie) Clabaugh of Shelby; grandchildren: Brett Kramer and Jamie (Morgan) Kramer Burke-Beyers; step-grandchildren: Tyler Clabaugh and Zachary Clabaugh; great grandchildren: Keegan and Finley Burke-Beyers; “adopted” son: Marc Gumbert; nephew: Danny Kramer of Idaho; sister: Arlene Manke of Arcadia, MI; brother-in-law and sister-in-law: Jim (Cindy) Arter; and other relatives and numerous friends. In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his brother: Dale Kramer; step-son: Brian Clabaugh; and father-in-law and mother-in-law: Robert and Christine Arter.
The joy that the recent “Old Farts Parties” at Phil’s Place brought Bob was immense. Enough so that he made it clear, “That’s what I want when I die.” Look forward to an announcement in the future of details for Bob’s celebration at Phil’s Place. At the present, private graveside services and burial with family and close friends will be at Oakland Cemetery in Shelby.
Bob was proud to have been able to help many others through financial hardships when battling cancer through the Pink Ladies Cancer Fund. For those wishing to contribute in Bob’s memory, donations to the fund may be mailed to Lorain Music and Vending, c/o Mike Zappa, 450 Richard Park Drive, Crestline, Ohio 44827.
Care for Bob and his family is being provided by the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, Ohio 44875. For those wishing, condolences may be left on Bob’s obituary at www.PenwellTurner.com or by leaving a comment on his post on the funeral home’s Facebook page, Facebook.com/PenwellFuneral.
Do many great times with Bob at Phil’s Place during my years in Shelby. Condolences to Cheryl and his family. RIP my friend.
Our prayers are with you Cheryl and family. It’s not easy losing the earthly presence of our loved ones. It is comforting to know they are in a joyful and peaceful place with our Heavenly Father and loved ones. One can only imagine the celebration greeting Bob on his arrival. Love and God Bless.
Many fond memories of Bob and the fun we all had at Phil s Place. Will always remember the lights coming on in bar before closing and Bob yelling “suck em up people…you don t have to go home but u can’t stay here”. Good times. Will miss him. He was one of the good ones!!
Best days of high school and college were spent in Phil’s Place with my Mom. Whenever I get homesick for Shelby – it was the memories I had with Kramer. Best Amaretto sours and shots of stormy clouds.
RIP Bob
Wow, what a guy… you always knew where you stood with bob! No BS. That year we started fat boys lawn service was like no other. We had so much fun if never felt like work. Laughing and sweaty all the way. One of a kind bob ! The world needs more bob Kramer’s
Rest In Peace my friend, Rest In Peace.
Dan Faulkner
So many fond memories of Bob, you were a good man and I valued your friendship.
May you rest in peace and know you had a huge impact on so many people. You will be missed old friend.
My deepest condolences.
Our sympathy to Cheryl & family! I have no words to express how he is missed already & will be missed everyday! We did not even grow up here & our memories are countless. What a great guy! Much Love to all!
Who didn’t know Bob? He was a man with a huge personality who enjoyed life to the fullest! RIP Bob, you will surely be missed! Our prayers and condolences to the family.
I met Bob many years ago prior to my employment taking me to Tennessee.
He was a very fun and caring person. Having moved back, I was surprised to find that he lived in my home town. I as well as many others have memories to last a life time.
My condolences to his family and wish them peace as they continue on without him. My prayers will continue for their peace and memories of their loved one.
Bob was one of the finest persons that I had the privledg of calling him my friend..There was never a moment that you didn’t know where you stood with Bob. He wore his heart on his sleeve.From “face down in mashed potatoes to his infamous LAST CALL” he will be missed. Shelby has lost an icon I LOVE YOU BOB.
I will miss you Mr. Kramer… When we first met you didn’t like me at all ( probably cause we are both from Michigan) and within months I changed that around you would holler at Mr.G. Cornell that he better treat me right…
So sad to hear of the passing of our ‘ol buddy Bob. Was truly one of a kind. Will miss the poker games and the OSU V meecheegan games at Phil’s Place. Probably still owe him money! Was truly a special friend. Our condolences go out to Cheryl and the family. Rest In Peace my friend.
Truely a local legend,RIP “Fat Boy”
I am saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. In the halcyon days of my youth, Bob and Phil’s Place were the source of many good times, which are now fond memories. Bob was a great guy and I am privileged to have known him. Sleep sweetly now, Bob.
My most sincere condolences to his family.
Bob was a very kind man who would always take the time to stop and talk to me and ask how I was doing when I would see him out and about.
I worked for Kramer at Phil’s Place. What a great guy !!! I don’t know of anyone else that has taken so many people under their wing. Glad I was one of them…..
We live next door to Phil’s and Bob was always giving me a wave! So sorry for the family and friends who lost such a great man!
Cheryl and family, so sorry for your loss. I must admit, Bob was one of a kind. Love how he came straight to the point and didn’t mince words. Ray had many good times at Phil’s Place and always liked running into him outside of the place. God Bless. Our Deepest Sympathy- Ray and Donna Muncy
Our deepest condolences extended to Cheryl and family.