History & Staff

We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.

Our History

In 1875, John deBaptist Kramer established Alexandria’s first funeral home. It was known as “John Kramer, Undertaker” and was located on Fourth Street between Scott and Elliott streets in downtown Alexandria. John had come to Louisiana from his native Germany and entered the United States through the Port of New Orleans. He settled in Alexandria to work his craft as a cabinetmaker. When a death occurred within the community, a family would approach him to build a coffin. As time went on, he turned his attention toward caring for the bereaved families in their time of need.

Later, his son, Casper P. Kramer, Sr., joined the firm, which became known as “John Kramer & Son”. Casper visited New Orleans and observed the horse drawn hearses pulled by handsome white horses with plums adorning their harnesses. He purchased his first hearse and had it delivered to Alexandria. In September 1936, Casper Kramer moved the funeral home from the original location next door into the former residence of our founder on the corner of Fourth and Scott.

Casper P. Kramer, Jr., graduated from St. Stanislaus College in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, and continued his education at the Cincinnati School of Mortuary Science, graduating in 1930. He was the first of the third generation of Kramers to be a part of the family tradition. After his graduation from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama, Victor M. Kramer, the second son of Casper, Sr., joined his father and brother to continue the family-owned business.

On December 16, 1951, the funeral home moved into its present location at 2905 Masonic Drive in Alexandria.

Graham Kramer, our current President, represents the fourth generation of the Kramer tradition. He is a graduate of Spring Hill College and the Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science. Graham is a past Chairman of the Parish Council of St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, past President of the Alexandria Rotary Club and past President of the Louisiana Funeral Directors Association.

Under the leadership of Graham Kramer, the funeral home added two branch operations. In July 1998 the Colfax (Grant Parish) location opened, followed by the Fifth Ward (Avoyelles Parish) branch in March 1999.

For over 50 years, Kramer Funeral Home has been a member of Selected Independent Funeral Homes, whose membership is offered by invitation only. 


Our Valued Staff

Graham  Kramer

Graham Kramer, President & CEO

Graham Kramer, a licensed funeral director and embalmer, represents the fourth generation of the Kramer Family serving the funeral needs of Central Louisiana. He is a graduate of Menard Memorial High School, Spring Hill College and the Dallas Instutite of Mortuary Science. Graham is married to Nell Shehee and he has two daughters. He is a member of St. Francis Xavier Cathedral Parish, a past President of the Alexandria Rotary Club and a former member of the Board of the Alexandria Museum of Art. He joined the staff of Kramer Funeral Home in 1965.[email protected]


Sarah  Kramer

Sarah Kramer, Funeral Director

Sarah Kramer joined the staff at Kramer Funeral Home in November 2014, becoming the fifth generation to join her family’s business. A native of Alexandria, she attended high school at All Saints’ Episcopal School in Vicksburg, Mississippi, and holds a Master of Health Administration from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, S.C., along with a Bachelor of Arts degree in business with a concentration in management from Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Ala. [email protected]


Alfred E. Cook Jr.

Alfred E. Cook Jr., Vice President & Director of Operations

Alfred E. Cook, Jr., a licensed funeral director and embalmer, is Vice President and Director of Operations at Kramer Funeral Home. He is a native of Alexandria and a graduate of Bolton High School as well as Commonwealth College of Houston, Texas. He is a member of Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church. Alfred is married to the former Teri Willis and they have two children. Alfred joined the staff of Kramer Funeral Home in 1976.


Geoff Carr

Geoff Carr, Embalmer & Funeral Director

Geoff Carr joined Kramer Funeral Home in 2008. Geoff is a licensed Embalmer & Funeral Director as well as our Care Center Supervisor. He is a Magna Cum Laude graduate from Arapahoe Community College in Littleton, Colorado, where he earned his degree in Mortuary Science. Outside of serving, he enjoys bible study, spending time with his family, aircraft videography, and plane spotting.


Cate  Milazzo

Cate Milazzo, Office Administration

Cate Milazzo joined the staff at Kramer Funeral Home in September 2012. Cate is a native of Aurora, Mo, residing in Jena, LA. She has one daughter, 5 bonus children and 3 grandsons. She attends Fellowship Baptist Church. Cate manages a full time cover band, enjoys staying active with the community, volunteering her time and attending her children's various activities.[email protected]


Patrick Blalock

Patrick Blalock

A native of Alexandria and graduate of Holy Savior Menard High School and Northwestern State University, Patrick joined Kramer Funeral Home during the summer of 2013. He is a member of St. Rita Catholic Church. In his spare time, Patrick enjoys photography, videography, hiking, and spending time with his family. [email protected]


Ms. Hannah LaFleur

Ms. Hannah LaFleur, Embalmer & Funeral Director


Mrs. Pam Clark

Mrs. Pam Clark, Embalmer & Funeral Director


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