WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Emery L. Cramer, age 81, of Sturgis, beloved husband, father, Paw-Paw, grandpa and great-grandpa, passed away Thursday morning, April 22, 2010, at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo.
He was born June 27, 1928, in Columbia City, Ind., a son of the late Emery and Esther (Dexter) Cramer.
Mr. Cramer originally came to Sturgis in 1960. They resided there until 2000, when he and his wife moved to Virginia, where they resided for three years. They then moved to Holland, then returned to Sturgis in 2009.
His early life was spent in the Fort Wayne, Ind., area.
On Sept. 24, 1949, he married Beverly Bridge in Fort Wayne, Ind.
Mr. Cramer was an accountant by trade and retired from Parma Tube in Sturgis, where he had held the position of controller for 10 years. Prior to joining Parma Tube he had been employed by Grav-i-Flo in Sturgis and Central States Grain in Fort Wayne.
He was a member of Holy Angels Catholic Church in Sturgis and a former member of the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus and the Loyal Order of Moose #574. He was proud to have served his country first with the Merchant Marines and later he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving from 1946-1950 and was stationed in China. He earned the rank of sergeant.
He enjoyed playing golf, bowling, reading and was a talented woodworker.
He has left behind a loving family to cherish his memory through their tears. They will remember him with many smiles, laughs, stories and much love. This is the way he would want it until they are all reunited with him in heaven. He and Beverly’s loving marriage of 60 years serves as a shining example of true dedication as husband and wife.
He is survived by his loving wife, Beverly; a daughter, Theresa Potts of Sturgis; a son, Michael Cramer; four grandchildren, Amy (Aaron) Morris of Sturgis, Julie Swihart, of Sturgis, Scott (Alisha) Roberts of Sturgis and Tony (Tara) Cramer of Holland; eight great-grandchildren; two brothers-in-law, David (Rita) Bridge of Indianapolis and William Bridge of Williamsburg, Va.; and many nieces and nephews.
His parents, two sisters and a brother preceded him in death.
In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service celebrating the life of Emery L. Cramer will be held at a later date, to be announced.
Hackman Family Funeral Homes Hackman Chapel of Sturgis is handling the arrangements.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Cramer’s memory consider the Sturgis Foundation for a young person’s sports scholarship, c/o: Sturgis Foundation, 310 N. Franks Ave., Sturgis, MI 49091.
His obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com, where personal messages of support may be left for the family.
