Willi Kramer

Willi Karl Kramer, 90, long time resident of Concord, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 2, 2023.

Mr. Kramer was born December 30, 1932 in Seelbach, the Black Forest region of Germany, to the late Wilhelm Kramer and Maria Kramer. Survivors include his loving and devoted wife of 61 years, Dorothy Kramer of Concord, NC, daughter Christine Brenk (Bob) of Concord, daughter Heidi Kramer Underwood of Atlanta, GA, grandchildren Eric Brenk of Bonn, Germany, Andrea Brenk of Concord, and Kaylee Underwood and Reece Underwood of Atlanta, GA.

Mr. Kramer was known as a kind, gentle soul with a big heart. He loved people and learning about new cultures. As a young man, he traveled to every country in western Europe, often by bike, and learned to speak 6 languages. He also loved nature and was often found in the woods of his property nurturing growth of new trees and feeding birds.

Mr. Kramer graduated from the University of Munich with a degree in Chemistry and dedicated his career to developing new formulations for the architectural coating industry, including early development of polymeric-based products. In 1962, he was recruited to conduct product research and development at Chicago Mastics in Chicago, IL. He agreed to take the short-term assignment and moved to Chicago with his newly wed wife, Dorothy. His contributions to the industry lead to other career opportunities and he and his family have remained in the U.S. ever since. In 1983, Mr. Kramer started a new coating and adhesive manufacturing business, Aldo Products Company, in Kannapolis, NC (now in Salisbury). He developed formulations and manufactured products for roof restoration that are still being sold by the company today.

The family would like to extend our thanks to the outreach from friends and the staff providing care at Pruitt Health in Harrisburg. The family is having a private memorial to celebrate the life of Willi Kramer. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/donate or 800-608-3023.