Rev. Sloloman G. Cramer
The Rev. Solomon G. Cramer, age 98, of West Bend passed away on Tuesday, January 1, 2013 at Cedar Community Nursing Home, West Bend. His adult life centered around ministry in the United Methodist Church and he was the longest serving clergy in the Wisconsin Conference.
He was born in Franklin Township, Plain, WI. on February 10, 1914 to Oscar and Caroline (Schneller) Cramer. He graduated from Prairie du Sac High School in 1932 and attended the U.W. Agricultural Short Course for one year until becoming seriously ill. Upon recovery, he attended North Central College, class of 1938 and then graduated from Evangelical Theological Seminary in 1941. He did post graduate study at Princeton Theological Seminary and the University of Dubuque Seminary. Rev. Cramer was united in marriage to Irene Klinzing on December 23, 1941 and she preceded him in death in 1998. They were active and faithful partners in Christian service all of their married lives serving in the following E.U.B. and United Methodist Churches: Oak Creek Community, Denmark Zion, Appleton Emmanuel, Milwaukee Calvary, Chippewa Falls Zion and Fond du Lac Salem. After retirement, he served as interim pastor at Dale U.C.C., Neenah-Menasha First U.M.C., Two Rivers Grace U.C.C., Center Emmanuel U.M.C. (SY). He also served on the U.M.C. area staff from 1968-1971. Following the church appointments, he accepted the position of Regional Director, Staff and Field Representative of Educational Opportunities, Lakeland, Florida. He and Irene then traveled extensively and led educational tours throughout the world.
Survivors include a brother, Calvin (Pat) Cramer of Lodi, a sister-in-law, Bonnie Klinzing of Richland Center, many nieces, nephews, friends and colleagues. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by sisters, Ruby Koch and Ramona Doverspike, brothers, Leslie and Allan Cramer, sisters-in-law, Helen Klinzing and Marlys Cramer and brothers-in-law, Everett and Loren Klinzing and Rev. John Koch.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Fifth Avenue United Methodist Church, 323 S. Fifth Av., West Bend on Thursday, January 10 at 11:00 a.m. A family burial service was held at the Prairie du Sac Cemetery. Memorials may be to the Fifth Ave. United Methodist Church or Cedar Lake Community, 5595 C.R. Z, West Bend, WI. 53095 The family wishes to thank the Cedar Lake Community for the compassionate care given Sol during his time there.
