The Honorable Judge Michael J. Kramer, 70, of Ligonier, passed away suddenly on Friday, March 28, 2025, at Ascension Resurrection Hospital in Chicago.

He was born on February 10, 1955, in Madison, Indiana to the late Edgar and Ruth (Copper) Kramer.

On August 19, 2017, he married Angelia Slone.

Judge Kramer received his Bachelor's Degree from Ball State University and his Law Degree from the University of Dayton, summa cum laude, where he was a member of the law review. Prior to taking office Judge Kramer practiced law in Ligonier with the firm of Heckner & Kirsch.

Michael Kramer first took office on January 1, 1991, where he served as Judge for Noble County Superior Court 2 until 2016 when he took the bench for the Noble County Circuit Court and was the longest serving Judge in Noble County history.

On December 14, 1999, he was named Distinguished Hoosier by then Governor Frank O'Bannon. Michael had also been named Volunteer of the Year by Drug-Free Indiana. In 2009 he was named Indiana Addiction Recovery Advocate of the Year because of his work to prevent and treat substance abuse. In 2010, Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America named Judge Kramer its Advocate of the Year.

Michael was currently serving as the chair of Drug-Free Noble County and on the board of Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA). He was a member of the Advisory Council for the Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addictions. Judge Kramer was a member and former president of the Noble County Bar Association and was a Fellow of the Indiana Bar Foundation. Michael was also a member of the Albion Rotary Club.

Judge Kramer was very proud of his involvement with the creation of the Drug Court, Family Preservation Court, Veterans Court, and Mental Health Court in Noble County.

Just last year Michael was recognized by the American Law Institute for becoming a lifetime member with more than 25 years of membership.

Together with his wife, they were members of the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception in Fort Wayne where he was very involved with the choir. Michael was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

He is survived by his wife, Angelia; children, Michael (Kramer Jr.) Mrozinski, Jennifer Kramer, and Laura (Andrew) Arment; stepchildren, Morgan Gamble (Ivan) Esparza, Dylan Gamble, and Annie (Trevor Nichols) Anglin; a grandchild, Alexander Arment; a step-grandchild, Azul Esparza; a sister, Joy Kramer; the mother of his children, Barbara Kramer; father & mother-in-law, Bill and Rose Slone; brother-in-law, Billy Slone; nephew, Cain Slone; Cain's Children, Edence Slone and Willa Slone; and his beloved dog, Gino.

Also preceding him in death were siblings, Lisa Kramer and Kelley Kramer.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 7, 2025, from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Noble County Courthouse, 101 North Orange Street, Albion. Those wishing to pay their respects are asked to enter the Courthouse from the York Street Entrance (West side of the building). Visitation will also be held Tuesday, April 8, 2025, from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception, 1105 Calhoun Street, Fort Wayne with a Funeral Mass beginning at 10 a.m. Following Mass, Judge Kramer will be laid to rest at Greenwood Cemetery in LaGrange.

Pallbearers will be Dylan Gamble, Andrew Arment, Ivan Esparza, Dave Stackhouse, Trevor Nichols, and Shawn Payton.

Memorials may be directed to Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA), the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception, and/or the Albion Rotary Club.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Divine Mercy Funeral Home - Cedar Canyons, 1986 West Cedar Canyons Road, Huntertown.

Share fond memories and condolences at www.divinemercyfuneralhome.com.