Herman John Bramer Jr.

Herman John Bramer Jr., 86, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2025, in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. Born on January 20, 1939, to Herman John Bramer Sr. and Louella Simcoe Bramer, Herman was a true original, a “my way or the highway” kind of man with a strong will and an even stronger presence.

Herman spent over 30 years working for Ford, dedicating himself fully to his craft before enjoying a well-earned retirement filled with the things he loved most: traveling, camping, fishing, and spending time with his beloved wife of 64 years, Mary Bramer. Together, Herman and Mary were a team in every sense—crisscrossing the country on bus tours, relaxing at their favorite lakes (Kentucky Lake, Barren River Lake, and Barkley Lake), and testing their luck at casinos wherever they could find one.

Fishing at Barkley Lake became an annual tradition, where the whole Bramer family would gather for two weeks of laughs, stories, and deep family connections, moments that will be forever cherished. A man of simple pleasures, Herman preferred a tent and a campfire over any five-star resort. He believed in real camping and made sure his family did too.

When he wasn’t on the road or by the water, Herman could be found listening to the classics—country music and 1950s hits that brought back memories of a full and adventurous life.

Stubborn? Maybe. But those who knew him best know that behind that stubborn streak was a fiercely loyal, hardworking, and loving man who put his family first and lived life on his terms.

Herman’s legacy lives on in the many stories shared around campfires and kitchen tables, the memories made on long road trips, and the laughter heard echoing down at the lake.

Herman in preceded in death by his parents, Herman John Bramer Sr. and Louella Simcoe Bramer; daughter, Diane Morris; brother, Robert Bramer; and sister, Doris Jean Colyer.

Left to cherish his memory, Herman is survived by his loving wife, Mary Bramer; children, Wayne Bramer (Angela) and Janice Taylor (Michael); brother, Michael Bramer; granddaughters, Rebecca “Becca” Cook (Shawn), Sarah Wood (Stephen), Christine Twigg (Jordan); great-grandchildren, Rory, Harper, Christopher, Jackson, Sam, and Lucas; and a host of extended family and close friends.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 18, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Louisville Memorial Gardens West, 4400 Dixie Highway, Louisville, Kentucky. A funeral service will be held for Mr. Herman Bramer at 2:00 PM on Monday, May 19, 2025, at the funeral home, with visitation prior to the service from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Burial will follow the funeral service.