Wesley Cramer

Wesley E. Cramer was optimistic and fun loving with an enthusiasm for life. He cared about people and was understanding and compassionate. Wesley took every opportunity to enjoy life and because of his zestful pursuance of happiness, he reaped the rewards of great friends and a loving family.

Wesley was born into an exciting decade in our nation's history. The 1950s witnessed America stride confidently from the ashes of World War II into a new age of prosperity. It was in these times of progress that Americans discovered the proximity of the suburbs, the convenience of dishwashers and the swinging sounds of rock and roll. In the small community of Paw Paw, Michigan, Wesley and Ruby (Stowman) Cramer were celebrating the new year by welcoming the birth of their son, Wesley Eugene, born on January 27, 1959. He was the third of five Cramer children: Juanita (who died as an infant), Rhonda, Wesley, Julie and Leonard.

Along with his siblings, Wesley grew up on their family's small fruit farm in Paw Paw. Aside from being a farmer, Wesley's father also worked as an electrician while his mother continued to tend the farm and take care of the children. He had a typical childhood, attending Mattawan Public Schools, where he played drums in the band, and being involved in Boy Scouts and 4-H. In his leisure time, Wesley enjoyed racing around on his Sears motorcycle and of course, made time to be an annoying big brother to his younger siblings. Once, when his older sister Rhonda was left in charge, Wesley was just a pest to everyone. So his sisters decided to use their father's neckties to tie him up and lock him in the closet until he promised to behave, which he did, at least for the rest of that day. Like most little brothers, Lenny looked up to his big brother, even though he had a few pranks pulled on him. On one such occasion, Wesley told Lenny that if he walked on the dark spots on the pond behind their home, which in the winter months only froze part way, he would be safe. Of course, Lenny found that wasn't true when he fell through to the icy water, but Wesley was nice enough to pull him out. Though they were both in "hot water" when they returned home soaking wet. His younger sister Julie fondly remembers the many late nights she and Wesley sat on the roof of their house, waiting for their father to get home.

Wesley left school after the 11th grade and enlisted in the U.S. Army. He proudly served at Ft. Leonardwood, Missouri, from October 1979 to November 1980. During this time, Wesley excelled as a sharp shooter and received an award for this skill. After being honorably discharged for medical reasons, he returned home and worked as a general laborer in a variety of jobs. When his physical and mental health began to decline, he was forced into early retirement due to his disabilities.

There was no place like home for Wesley. He loved being surrounded by his family, especially at their family cookouts or on camping trips. There was always laughter and good conversation to be had at these gatherings, and perhaps a card game or two. Wesley was very close with his mother and he lovingly took care of her during her fight with cancer, which took her life 15 years ago. Truly heartbroken, Wesley never really recovered from his loss. He and his brother Leonard were also quite close and it was said, if you saw one, the other wasn't far behind. Leonard never outgrew idolizing his brother and often admired his calm, laid back demeanor, wanting to be just like him. The brothers shared many good times together, going to parties and concerts or just hanging out. Their friends nicknamed them "Fred and Barney" because Wesley was tall and dark haired, while Lenny was small and light haired - and they were the best of pals.

Although Wesley never married, he had a very special love in his life and her name was Lucy. The couple lived together and shared 15 years of great memories. With no children of his own, Wesley doted on his nieces and nephews and loved playing with them, especially when they were younger. Yet, in his alone time, Wesley indulged in his favorite music of the 70s, which included bands like Alice Cooper, Black Sabbath, Climax Blues and Grand Funk Railroad. He saw several of these groups in concert, though particularly enjoyed the Alice Cooper "Welcome to my Nightmare" tour. Wesley had a great collection of cassette tapes and loved to watch old TV shows.

Wesley had the type of personality that everyone loved to be around and his great sense of humor, much like Bob Newhart, kept a crowds' attention. He had a way of making people feel special by being a good listener and compassionate to their plight. He brought warmth and strength to all who knew him and he will be deeply missed.

Wesley Eugene Cramer 46 of Battle Creek died October 13, 2005 at his home. He was born January 27, 1959 in Paw Paw the son of Wesley and Ruby (Stowman) Cramer. Learn more about Wesley, view his Life Story film, and attend a service to celebrate his life Saturday at 1:00 PM at the Betzler & Thompson Life Story Funeral Home, M40 South of I-94, Paw Paw, 657-3870. Wesley was preceded in death by parents; and an infant sister, Juanita. He is survived by his two sisters: Rhonda (Ron) Naumann of Glenn, and Julie (Paul) Hapke of Pullman; a brother, Leonard Cramer of Lawrence ; and several nieces and nephews. To read Wesley's complete Life Story, archive a memory, order flowers, or make a memorial contribution to the Cramer family, please visit his personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com