George Robert Bramer

George Robert (“Bob”) Bramer passed away on May 20, 2023 at Holy Cross Village, Notre Dame, IN.  He was born in Springfield, MO on July 12, 1931.  Bob’s 91+ years of life reflected his keen interest in the English language.  After earning a PhD from the University of Notre Dame, he pursued a career in College English instruction and academic administration, holding positions at various colleges and universities. 

During his professional career, Bob specialized in rhetoric and communication ethics, focusing on both the positive and negative powers of the English language.  He did a considerable amount of speaking and writing about rhetoric, and his published articles included one entitled “Truth and Harmony as Rhetorical Goals,” which was his favorite.  Bob’s special aptitude for (and he might say heavy reliance on) the written word was reflected in the following joke he told about himself:  “I don’t know what I think, because I haven’t written it down yet.”   

Bob’s professional career ended when he retired from Lansing Community College in MI, where he had been Chairperson of the Communications Department for 20 years.  He found new meaning and mission in returning to the Roman Catholic Church.  He spent most of his retirement years involved in church ministries, including serving as a tour guide at Notre Dame’s Basilica of the Sacred Heart.  He also served in the prison and “respect life” ministries as a parishioner of St. Therese Little Flower Catholic Church in South Bend, IN.

As a young man, Bob married Jean Masters of Springfield, MO, who was a fellow-graduate of Drury College in Springfield.  They had 7 children and were married for 23 years.  Several years after their divorce, Bob married Jennifer White of DeWitt, MI, who was a fellow employee of Lansing Community College.  Bob became a stepdad to her 2 daughters. 

Bob was preceded in death by both of his spouses. He is survived by his 7 children and 17 grandchildren, along with his 2 stepdaughters and 3 step-grandchildren.

A rosary will be held on Friday, June 2, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. at Palmer Funeral Home’s Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend, IN.   Visitation will follow from 6 to 8 p.m.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, June 3 at 11 a.m. at St. Therese Little Flower Catholic Church in South Bend, IN.  Friends may visit with family one hour prior to Mass. 

Online condolences may be left at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.  Memorial contributions in honor of Bob may be made to Conception Abbey, 37174 State Highway VV, Conception, MO 64433.

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