Gary Kramer ’67, MS’69, and his wife, Ellie, embody the spirit of lifelong generosity. From humble beginnings in Eastman, Wisconsin, Gary journeyed to UW–Madison largely because of the encouragement of his high school guidance counselor and the support of scholarships that made his college education possible. Though his academic path shifted — from chemistry to applied math and physics, and finally to industrial engineering — Gary’s determination never wavered.
He earned his master’s degree with the help of a research assistantship, launching a successful career at IBM. In 1992, at 48, he retired and became a “ski bum,” working at a small resort in Lake Tahoe until his IBM pension took effect. He happily spent the next 17 years as a part-time ski instructor.
Ellie, a Michigan native, built her own career in medical technology before transitioning to accounting. The couple met through a mutual love of square dancing in 1993 and married in 2007. They continue to dance together several nights a week.
Gary was inspired by the financial assistance he received as a UW student, so in 2012, he and Ellie established the Gary and Eleanor Kramer Scholarship Fund to support Prairie du Chien High School graduates. What began as a modest annual gift grew into a robust endowment fueled by IRA distributions and investment income. They also set up a charitable remainder unitrust and gift annuities to ensure lasting aid for UW–Madison.
“Start small with what you can afford and increase your giving as your financial means allow,” says Gary.
Their story is a testament to how generosity, rooted in gratitude, can create a ripple effect of opportunity for future generations. Through their enduring commitment, Gary and Ellie continue to enrich the lives of proud Badgers, just as Gary’s life was transformed by the kindness and benevolence of others.