Donald E. Cramer

Donald Eugene Cramer, 86, of Champaign passed away at 12:15 a.m. on Monday, November 15, 2021 at the Tuscola Health Care Center.

Donald was born July 7, 1935 in Yale, Illinois to Loren and Lena Cramer and was one of five children. His siblings include Richard (Kay) Cramer, James (Mary) Cramer of Mt. Vernon, Paul (Linda) Cramer of Savoy, Juanita (Tom) Hawkins of Urbana and Bernard Cramer.

Donald attended Yale High School, married Sadie (Lewis) Cramer on June 9, 1956 in Urbana, and started their family in 1958—welcoming three children, Tamara (Richard) Stierwalt of Ivesdale, Tony (Lynnette) Cramer of Tuscola and Scotty (Julie) Cramer of Dalton City.

As an electrical engineer draftsman, Donald served various companies in Champaign throughout his career—including C.S. Johnson Co. for nearly 30 years. Before his tenured career at C.S. Johnson, Donald also served Flocon/Vesuvius and CMI Johnson.

A committed community member, Donald served various charitable organizations alongside his wife, Sadie, and they were recognized as award-winning members of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Champaign County. Charitable organizations served included Crisis Nursery in Urbana, Stevick Senior Citizen Center in Champaign and Salvation Army in Champaign.

When not serving the community, Donald enjoyed competing with his companions during regular games of bingo and playing the lottery. He and his wife enjoyed finding the best bargains at neighborhood garage sales and spending time with their beloved schnauzers through the years.

Donald, or lovingly known as Grandpa, has six grandchildren, whom he adored: Derek (Madeline) Stierwalt, Christa (Bryce) Dubson, Danny (Katie) Stierwalt, Kurtis (Kim) Cramer, Aaron (Lacy) Cramer and Olivia Cramer. He also has ten great-grandchildren: Rosemary, Hannah, Henry Stierwalt; Waylon, Whitney and Wayne Dubson; Daisy and Eli Stierwalt; and Lincoln and Theodore Cramer.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sadie Cramer, daughter, Tamara Stierwalt, brother, Richard Cramer, sister, Juanita Hawkins, and brother, Bernard Cramer.

Visitation will be held from 10am – 12pm on Saturday, December 4, 2021 a Celebration of Life service will follow at 12pm at First Baptist Church in Tolono, IL. 204 W. Holden St. 61880. Pastor Mike Frazier will officiate. A burial of cremated remains will be held at Grandview Memorial Gardens 4112 W. Bloomington Rd. in Champaign following the service.

Please join his family in sharing memories, photos and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com

Cremation arrangements have been made at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center 710 N. Neil St. Champaign, Il. 61820

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.