Racine- Eugene “Gene” Henry Cramer, 83, passed away peacefully at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center on Monday, January 28, 2008 following a valiant battle with cancer. A lifetime resident, Gene was born in Racine on October 13, 1924 to the late Frank and Ottilia (nee: Voelkering) Cramer. A 1942 graduate of St. Catherine’s High School, he went on to earn his degree from Spencerian Business College in Milwaukee. Gene proudly served our Country with the United States Marine Corps / 1st Division, stationed in the South Pacific for nearly 4 years. On November 19, 1949 in St. Rose Catholic Church, he was united in marriage with the love of his life, Mary Lou Hall. Gene started employment with American Standard for a few years before beginning his 35+ year career with Crown Steel Sales in Milwaukee, retiring as sales manager on June 30, 1998. He was a longtime member of St. Rose Catholic Church until its closure in 1997. Following, he became a member of St. Mary by the Lake Catholic Church. Among his interests, Gene truly enjoyed the outdoors-especially when fishing, hunting, golfing, hiking and gardening. Above all, he loved and cherished being in the surroundings of his entire family. Surviving are his loving wife of over 58 years, Mary Lou, of Racine; their children, Sally (Tim Marcotte) Cramer of Stevens Point; Susan (Greg) Steiner of Mt. Horeb; Steven (Susan) Cramer of Redwood City, CA; Greg Cramer of Almond; Brian Cramer of San Mateo, CA; and Peggy (Mike) Harris of Racine; grandchildren, Noah Steiner, Megan (Alberto) Lazarte, Hannah and Andrew Steiner; Monica and Audrey Cramer; Manya Cramer; Ellen, Claire and Sam Harris; great-grandson, D’marion Cramer; sisters-in-law, Esther and Virginia Cramer; Joan Hall, Kathryn (George) Mueller and Carol Hall; brothers-in-law, Tom (Pat) Hall and David (Fusae) Hall; and many special nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends too numerous to mention by name. In addition to his parents, Gene was preceded in death by sister, Mary Jane (Harry) Ritt; brothers, Robert, Frank (Betty), Peter and Kenneth Cramer; brother-in-law, Bill Hall; and by Mary Lou’s parents, Gorman and Gertrude (nee: Baggott) Hall. Gene’s Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, February 1, 2008 at St. Mary by the Lake Catholic Church, 7605 Lakeshore Dr. in Crestview, at 11 am with Rev. Stephen J. Stradinger officiating. Interment, with military honors, will follow in Holy Family Cemetery. Visitation will be in the church on Friday from 9-11 am. In memory of Gene, memorials to St. Catherine’s High School or to one’s favorite charity has been suggested. A heartfelt note of thanks to Dr. Michael P. Mullane, Kelly and the entire staff of Oncology Alliance; and to everyone at WFH-All Saints Medical Center for their compassionate care, friendship and encouraging support during the past few years. God bless all of you!
Maureen Hall & John Kuglitsch says
Dear Mary Lou and Family members:
We are so sorry we cannot be there in person. Our heartful sympthy. I remember you (MaryLou)
and Gene always stopping by MY HOUSE on Harvey Drive see how MOM and Dad where doing. Even after
my dad died John Hall you stopped
by. Those are precious memories one does not forget. I feel so
bad John and I cannot be there for
the funeral. We will see you when
we get back to give you a big hug.
Gene is at peace now.
All our love Dr. & Mrs. John and
Maureen Kuglitsch
Justin Schaefer says
To the entire Cramer Family, You are all in my thoughts and prayers in your time of Grief. Gene was a wonderful man, and I will miss him very much. I will always remember his smile, and funny sound effects! He was a great guy! May you take comfort in knowing that he is not in pain any longer, and that he is with my Grandpa who will definitely play Golf with him anytime he wants! Peace be with you!
Justin