Les Kramer was born to John and Regina (Wagner) Kramer in Strasburg, ND. He grew up in the area and graduated from Emmons Central High School. Les served in the military in Southeast Asia and returned to North Dakota to attend North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND. Les married Colleen Schmaltz and they have children together.

Les Kramer taught at Hague High School where he first offered a German-Russian studies class in 1974. He later became High School Principal at Emmons Central High School where he continued to teach the class. In addition to being Principal, Les also farmed southwest of Strasburg in the Krassna settlement area.