Jack Cramer

Jack Murray Cramer, age 92, of Sparta, Michigan, passed away Sunday, June 4, 2023. He was born December 3, 1930, in Ionia as Duane Slavicek to the late Herbert Briggs and Eleanora Slavicek. He would later have his name changed to Jack Murray Cramer after being raised by Merton and Alma (Ponton) Cramer. Jack married Betty Lou Taylor on August 24, 1953, and celebrated 69 years of marriage together before Betty passed away on October 1, 2022. He worked at Warner Brother Heavy Equipment for 10 years as heavy machine operator before going to work at Vos Equipment for 20 years as a heavy equipment mechanic and truck driver. Jack then went to Northern Equipment to work as a mechanic and truck driver for 20 years before his retirement. He was a founder, the first president, and a lifetime member of the Indian Mounds Rock & Mineral Club in Grand Rapids. Jack was also a lifetime member of the Grand Rapids Steelheaders Fishing Club. Survivors include his daughters, Kay (Scott) Visser, Gayle Riley, Teresa (Al) Slot, and Karen (Gary) Reif; grandchildren, Desirae (Keith) Wilson, Conrad (Maggie) Visser, Alisha (Mike) Harmen, Jamie (David) Palmer, Ricky Riley, Nick (Jen) Slot, Kim (Don) Johnson, Val (Jake) Russell, Jessica (Derek) Pugh, and Aaron (Mary) Reif; great-grandchildren, Scarlett and Mason Wilson, Quinn and Eli Harmen, Jordan and Evan Slot, Cole and Marcus Johnson, Brionna, Brandon, and David Jr. Palmer, and Nora and Enna Pugh; 2 great-great-grandchildren; half brother, Cloyd (Beverly) Mathews; close precious friend and hunting and fishing buddy, Bear Hodges; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; daughter, Linda Cramer; granddaughter, Andrea Visser; son-in-law, Rick Riley; his parents; brother, Robert (Lorraina) Cramer; and half siblings, Michael and Steven Mathews and Suzanne Rigney. Per his wishes cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be celebrated on Sunday, July 23, 2023, from Noon until 4:00 at Tyrone Township Hall, 28 E. Muskegon St. (17 mile rd) in Kent City, MI. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Mission Point of Grandville and to Emmanuel Hospice for their care and compassion. Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006, exclusive providers of Veterans Funeral Care. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Jack Cramer, please visit our flower store.