John Dietrich Kramer

John Dietrich Kramer (JD) passed away on April 25, 2026, from complications of esophageal cancer at St. Alphonsus Hospital, Nampa, Idaho, with his wife, Debbie, and son John at his side.

John was born in Dayton, Ohio, on October 31, 1946, to John and Anne Kramer. When he was nine, his family moved from West Alexandria to Ravenna, Ohio, where he graduated from high school and attended Kent State University before joining the Marine Corps. Following his service in Vietnam and aboard the USS Ranger (CV-61), he was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps.

He then moved to Fairfield, California, where he attended the police academy and worked as a Reserve Officer for the Fairfield Police Department. During this time, he also earned a master’s degree in criminal justice.

In 1976, he was hired as a police officer by the Fairfield Police Department. Over the course of his career, he served in many divisions, though some of his favorite assignments included his work as a POST Management Fellow and Project Manager of the Officer Killing Study from 1986-87, service with the department’s SAFE Team, working as Traffic Sergeant, and in the Personnel and Training Office. He is fondly remembered and deeply respected for his work in Personnel and Training. John retired in 2002 as a Lieutenant.

Retirement life was filled with camping and traveling with his wife, Debbie, which led to their move to Idaho. John found such joy in visiting his grandchildren, flyfishing, and golfing with his friends, but most of all, he cherished spending time with his son. The two could often be found working on their Jeep or taking Rubicon and hunting trips together. He enjoyed membership in the following groups: Code 3-1, PORAC, Boise Valley Fly Fishers, California Four Wheel Drive Association, 208 Overlanders, and Boise Elks #310.

John is preceded in death by his parents, John Lawrence and Anne Dorothy (Dobransky) Kramer.

John leaves behind his devoted wife and kindred spirit of 36 years, Deborah (Mullen) Kramer; children John L. (Eden) Kramer, Anthony (Melissa) Rosenberry, Brandy (Seth) Tribble; grandchildren Greyson, Jonathan, Allen, Howard John, and Adelaide; great-grandchildren Ruby and Luna; sister Kathy (Jeff) West; nieces Malia (Travis) Goodfellow and Megan (Eric) Bies; and great-nephews Jaxson, Weston, Lawson, Boden. He will be deeply missed by his extended family and many dear friends.

A graveside service with military honors will be held on Friday, June 5th, at 11:00 AM at Sugar Grove Cemetery in West Alexandria, Ohio. Arrangements are under the care of Relyea Funeral Home in Boise, Idaho, and Gard Funeral Home in West Alexandria, Ohio.