Stanley Authur Cramer
Stanley Arthur Cramer, Sr., 87, Rochester, was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away at 3:50 p.m., Saturday, March 14th, at Woodlawn Hospital.
On August 27, 1927, Stanley was born in Fostoria, Ohio. He was a treasured son of Harry and Amy Louisa Wolcott Cramer. As the youngest of three , growing up he shared his childhood with a sister Ellen and a brother Lawrence. With great pride he graduated from Fostoria High School with his class in 1945.
Following high school, patriotism beckoned and Stanley answered the call enlisting with the United States Air Force. His tour of duty concluded 23 years later at Grissom Air Force Base. He achieved the rank of Senior Master Sergeant in the area of logistics.
On October 4, 1958 near Springfield, Ohio, Stanley married the love of his life who later became his best friend Helen Schilliger Cramer. Together they shared more than 56 years of life’s adventures while raising seven wonderful children. The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of sixteen grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
After retiring from the Air Force, Stanley earned a bachelor of science degree in social studies secondary education. An esteemed substitute teacher for a number of years, Cramer was affectionately known by his students as “Sarge.” He taught many of the students at Maconaquah, North Miami. Peru, Rochester and Caston Schools.
A devoted member of Rochester’s Church of Christ, Cramer worked with many youth groups and taught Sunday School classes. In his earlier years he reached out to the youth by coaching the boys of summer, little league teams while residing in New Mexico. Some will remember him as the manager of our Burger Chef many years ago.
A man of perpetual motion, always busy with his hands, Stanley was quite at home in his woodshop. An extraordinary craftsman he thrived on making custom creations for his family, turning out benches, turtle foot stools, and piggy banks. An animal lover Stanley and his family experienced the joy of pets sharing their home with dogs, cats, gerbils and goldfish over his children’s formative years.
Stanley is lovingly remembered by his wife Helen; six children: Daniel (Kathy) Moore, Lafayette; Linda (Carl) Snowberger, Lafayette; Stanley (Nancy) Cramer Jr.,Stoughton, Wis.; Emma Salkill, Cleveland, NC; Theresa (Bob) Neil, Kokomo, Jennifer (Don) Babcock, Rochester; son-in-law: Dave Tharp, Peru; 16 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, and a sister: Ellen Ross, Kodiak, Ark.
Preceding Stanley in death are his parents, a daughter: Lois Tharp, a granddaughter, a grandson, a great grandson, and a brother: Lawrence Cramer.
Visitation will be from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, at the Good Family Funeral Home, Rochester. Visitation will continue from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 18 at the Church of Christ, located at 120 E. 5th St., Rochester, before the service which begins at 11 a.m.
Rev. Jim Dillinger will officiate services. Interment will be in the Paw Paw Cemetery in Miami County.
Military graveside rites will be accorded by the United States Air Force Honors Team and the Futon County Veteran’s Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Church of Christ, 120 East 5th St. Rochester. Online expressions of sympathy may be made to his family at www.goodfamilyfh.com