John G. Kramer, DDS died on March 20, 2023, in Wheeling, WV after a brief illness.
He was born February 1, 1930, in Martins Ferry, Ohio, the son of George and Mary Hutter Kramer who along with his brother Robert “Hut” Kramer predeceased him. He was also predeceased by his wife of more than 64 years Suzanne Patricia “Pat” Nauman Kramer.
He is survived by their children Suzy (Fred) Lucci of Worthington, Ohio; John Nauman (Kristina) Kramer of Wheeling; Mac (Lelia) Kramer of Cincinnati, Ohio and Cary Kramer of New Albany, Ohio and grandchildren Hannah (Matt), Katy (Joe), Madison, Charlie, Sara, Henry and Micah.
John was a dentist, banker, healthcare executive, philanthropist, civic and community leader. He received his undergraduate degree from Washington & Jefferson University (1952), his Doctor of Dental Surgery from The Ohio State University (1957) and earned a certificate from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton College of Business for financial management of commercial banks (1979). While a student, he was active in the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity and Psi Omega dental fraternity. He was also a student instructor in the Crown and Bridge department while at the dental school.
John loved dentistry and was in practice for more than fifty years in Martins Ferry, Ohio as J. G. Kramer and Associates. He was so proud to practice dentistry with his son, Dr. John Nauman Kramer who took over the practice. The two Drs. Kramer worked together for twenty-five years.
A supporter of organized dentistry, he was a member of the American Dental Association and the Ohio Dental Association. He was also a fellow in the American College of Dentists and the International College of Dentists. He chaired the Ohio Section of the American College of Dentists. In 1996 he was presented with ODA’s Distinguished Dentist award. In addition, he is the recipient of the Pierre Fauchard Academy’s Distinguished Dentist Award. In 2019, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American College of Dentists. He is a past president of the Eastern Ohio Dental Association and founded the dental service program at Martins Ferry Hospital. He served on the Board of Directors of East Ohio Regional Hospital, was President of the Martins Ferry Hospital and was the first dentist to serve as its Chief of Staff. He was a professor of oral histopathology in the Dental Hygiene program at West Liberty State University for fifteen years.
His love of The Ohio State University and a strong belief in the importance of academics, dentistry and academic medical centers lead him to serve in various capacities at Ohio State. He served on the steering committee to found the OSU Dental School Alumni Association and served as its first president and served on its Board of Governors. He was named to the board of trustees for Ohio State’s University Hospitals where he chaired the Joint Conference Committee which oversees the quality of patient care, monitors educational and research activity in the medical center and oversees physician credentialing, medical staff issues and compliance with accreditation standards. He was elected Chairman of the University Hospitals Board and was the first to serve three consecutive terms in that position. He also served as chairman of Med Ohio Health Inc. and Med Ohio Health Plan. In addition, he served two terms on the Alumni Advisory Council representing the College of Dentistry, was a member of the President’s Club and the Presidents’ Council, chaired the Dentistry Advancement Fund, served on the University’s Man- aging for the Future Task Force and on the 1980 College of Dentistry Dean search committee.
In recognition of his service to Ohio State he received both the Ralph Davenport Mershon Alumni Award and The Ohio State College of Dentistry’s Most Distinguished Alumni Award in 1990. In 1993 he received the Distinguished Service Award from Ohio State. At Washington & Jefferson College he served on the Development Council and Alumni Board and received the Washington & Jefferson Distinguished Citation in 1990.
Locally, he chaired the boards of People’s Bank, Finance Ohio, Oglebay Institute, the Fort Henry Club and the Eastern Ohio Lung Association. He also served on the boards of HB&W Inc, Security National Trust, Mt DeChantal Visitation Academy, Belmont Hills Country Club and the Ohio Valley Medical Center Foundation. He was active in the Martins Ferry Chamber of Commerce and the Community Improvement Corporation.
He was a member of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, Twilight Club and the Martins Ferry Yacht Club. He previously served as a trustee of the First Presbyterian Church in Martins Ferry. In 2015 he was honored to be named to the Martins Ferry Hall of Honor.
John was an enthusiastic and tireless advocate for The Ohio State University assisting many local residents who sought health care at Ohio State as well as attending most home football games to cheer on the Buckeyes for more than fifty years.
John and his wife Pat traveled extensively. Some of his favorite memories were of times spent at their second home in Longboat Key, Florida and many hours fishing from his boat “Sea Love” with family and friends.
In his final days, John expressed his gratitude for the wonderful life he was blessed to enjoy. He had many great friends and delighted in keeping in touch with them. Special thanks to his dear friend and companion Sandy Radcliffe.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be made to the John G. and Patricia N. Kramer Fund for Academic Excellence (Fund #408724) at The Ohio State University Foundation, P O Box 71081 Columbus, OH 43271-0811.
Arrangements by Kepner Funeral Home, 900 National Road, Wheeling, WV (304-232-2732) where calling hours will be held on Friday, March 31, 2023, from 6 pm – 8 pm and a Memorial Service will be held at 11 am on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at St. Matthews Episcopal Church, 1410 Chapline St. Wheeling, WV with Rev. Josh Saxe officiating.
Interment will be held at the convenience of the family in Claysville Cemetery, Claysville, PA.
