AKASKA, SD–Kent Jonathan Kramer, 51, of Akaska, South Dakota, passed away on January 15, 2025, after an ice fishing accident on the Missouri River. He and close friend, Brad “Buckley” Schilling went through the ice on January 15th. They were recovered on January 23 by the heroic efforts of the many emergency and rescue agencies that were involved.

Kent was born August 22, 1973, to Douglas “Duke” and Marie Kramer in New Ulm, MN. Kent grew up and attended school in Gibbon and graduated from GFW in 1992. After high school he entered the restaurant industry. Some of the restaurants he managed were Old Chicago, The Gatlin Brothers, Hoppers in Waconia, Jakes City Grill, Dick’s Last Resort, Toby Keiths, and Mavericks Steak House in Aberdeen. His last venture took him to Akaska, SD where he owned the Akaska Tavern and Bait Shop. This final stop for Kent brought him both challenges and a whole lot of happiness. Although Akaska has a population of only 42, the love and support of this community proved to be the likes of thousands of people.

Kent loved the outdoors – especially fishing for walleye and hunting pheasants. In addition to owning ATBS he also had the opportunity to help guide for Chad and Shonda at Oahe Wings and Walleyes in Akaska. His best days were those spent “getting the birds” with his two beloved girls Kaiser and Kapone. He also loved to golf and was an avid MN sports fan – especially the Vikings and he loved to play the Initials game.

More than anything Kent loved to spend any time he could with family – even though distance made that a little more challenging after he moved to Akaska.

Kent was preceded in death by his father, “Duke” Kramer, sister Kathryn (Kramer) Wilson, brother Keith Kramer, and niece Stephanie Kramer. He is survived by his mother Marie (Kiecker) Kramer of New Ulm, brother Kurk (Janet) Kramer of Sleepy Eye, and sister Karla (Bruce) Kent of Eagan. He is also survived by nieces Danielle (Phil) Scriver, Karissa (Marc) Tye, Trisha (Blake) Jansick, and Jaime (Taylor) Karel, and nephews Tyler (Nikki) Kent and Joey (Chan) Kent, and 11 grand nieces and nephews that he adored.

Kent’s “girls” Kaiser and Kapone will be staying in the Akaska area with their Auntie Brandi who loves them very much and will make sure they continue to get a lot of love, and a lot of birds to make Kent proud.

Kent loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus, and is now in heaven with Him and all our loved ones that have gone before us. A private service will be held on Saturday, February 22nd in New Ulm, MN. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 15th in Sleepy Eye, MN, and a date to be determined in Akaska, SD as well. Details of each will be communicated.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Go Fund Me page set up to support the local volunteer first responders in Akaska and the surrounding area: https://www.gofundme.com/f/fundraiser-for-the-pierre-sd-fire-and-rescue-team?qid=0831b1b050e628d2e06cc52445184bac.

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