John Edward Cramer III
Cramer, John Edward III, fortified with the Holy Sacraments, died July 27, 2018 after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. A steadfast gentleman with a delightful smile and sense of fun, John was the beloved husband for 52 years of Gladys Cramer. Treasured father of Katharine “Anne” Cramer and John Edward Cramer IV “Ned” (Jason Loewith). Cherished sibling of Patrice Bardenheier, Katharine DeWitt and Jerome Cramer. Preceeded in death by his loving parents Katharine (nee Murphy) and John Edward Cramer Jr. He will be missed by in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, granddogs, godchildren, neighbors and friends.
A lifelong St. Louisan, John thoroughly enjoyed his grade school attendance at Our Lady of Lourdes in University City, MO and treasured his high school years in the first graduating class of St. Louis Priory School, where he excelled in track and football. He was a 1964 graduate of Georgetown University School of Business in Washington, DC, where he met his college sweetheart, Gladys. In 1995 he received the John Carroll Award, the highest honor Georgetown bestows on its alumni. John was a member of Georgetown’s Alumni Association Admissions Board and the local director of the alumni admissions committee for over 30 years. He was also a loyal member of Alpha Nu. A voracious reader, John valued education throughout his life, including his senior years enjoying classes at Washington University’s Life Long Learning Institute.
John joined the U.S. Navy in 1964, and attended Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI. For two years he served on the Navy’s largest fleet oiler out of Norfolk, VA fueling ships sailing to and from Vietnam. He then taught Chemical Safety and Damage Control at the Philadelphia Naval Yard for an additional two years.
After completing his service, John returned to St. Louis to work at the family business, The Casper Stolle Quarry & Contracting Co., Inc. which his great-grandfather founded in 1852. Over the course of 45 years, John successfully modernized and expanded the company. During that time, he also served as chairman of the Illinois Association of Aggregate Producers and president of the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association. He served on advisory boards at Missouri University’s School of Mines and Metallurgy and Southern Illinois University’s program of Mining and Mineral Resources Engineering. He was part of a team that enabled the revitalization of the Smithsonian Natural History Museum’s Mine and Rocks Galleries. John loved his work and admired all those in the industry.
An avid conservationist and outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fly fishing, sailing, sporting clays, etc. John founded the Greater Glendale Canoe Club whose families paddled the Missouri waters with enthusiasm for many summers. John loved vacations with his family who share special memories of extensive travel in the U.S. and abroad. As a 46 year parishioner of Mary, Queen of Peace he was actively involved with the children’s sports programs coaching soccer, softball and basketball, as well as community ice hockey teams. As an active member of the Men’s Club he was a vibrant actor in Monsignor O’Toole’s legendary plays; co-chaired the annual Parish Progressive Dinner; and introduced, with friends, square dancing for the middle schoolers and, to their dismay, ballroom dancing for the eighth graders. His favorite parish contribution each year was erecting the Nativity scene on the church portico along with great friends and fanfare.
John has remained ever loyal to the St. Louis Abbey Benedictine monastic community in Creve Coeur, MO, where he and Gladys were honored and blessed as confraters. John spent many rewarding, faith-filled years as an Oblate with the community and as a member of the Abbey Society Board of Directors. Funeral Services will be held at St. Louis Abbey Church at 10:00am with visitation at 9:15am and reception to follow on August 16, 2018. Private burial to take place at a later date. Thanks to all dedicated and recent caregivers. In lieu of flowers, John, who strongly believed in the importance of philanthropy, would appreciate memorial gifts to the St. Louis Abbey, 500 S. Mason Rd. St. Louis, Mo 63141 or The Alzheimer’s Association, 9370 Olive Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63132.
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Bob Wilson says
July 7, 2020 at 3:36 amDear Gladys, Anne and Ned–I was just thinking about your dad tonight and had a funny story I wanted to tell him from the interview days–and then I read this sad news. I hadn’t heard a word until now. I’m so sorry. Your dad was truly, truly a great guy. I’m sure you miss him a lot. I’ll tell him later. 🙂
Very best wishes,
Bob
Amy Deiters says
August 13, 2018 at 9:34 pmSo sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. He was a great man and glad I got to meet him. Prayers for his family in this sad time.
Rob Vogel says
August 13, 2018 at 12:39 pmAnne, Sherry and I send out heartfelt condolences to you and all of your family. John was a wonderful man and a fine gentleman. I have wonderful memories visiting your quarries and hunting with your dad. He was what made our industry and our country better. I will miss him.
Mary Heuchan-Compton says
August 8, 2018 at 10:50 amI was in St. Louis, a few years ago, drove over to the Quarry; where Johnny and Anne gave me a tour of the Quarry. I gave them several copies of our family picnic ( circa 1952). Johnny was thrilled upon seeing those. What a great Dad, husband, friend and general nice guy to be around with. With Johnny many deeds to others, he’s one of kind. My thoughts and prayers go out to Gladys, Anne, Ned, and Kathy. Know that Johnny is now at peace.
Mary Heuchan-Compton says
August 16, 2018 at 10:23 amI forgot Patrice, sorry
Mike Sitterly says
August 7, 2018 at 7:17 pmAnne, I always enjoyed seeing your father at the many IAAP meetings that we attended. He had a wonderful smile and a great sense of humor. He was a good guy. I know that you’ll miss him and many others will miss him too.. God bless John.
Mike Sitterly
Sheila Beshears says
August 7, 2018 at 6:16 pmJohn was always a welcoming smile and hug at all the Illinois Association of Aggregate Producer functions. He made me feel at home. I will miss his graciousness and charm. So sorry for your loss.
Charisma Ezell says
August 7, 2018 at 4:54 pmI am deeply saddened by the news of your loss. My most heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family. John was a truly lovable and kind person. It was an honor to have known him.
I pray that God embrace you in comfort during this difficult time and grant you all the strength needed to get through this moment in your life.
I firmly believe that God has accepted him with open arms and that his soul is now resting in peace.
John will truly be missed and he will never be forgotten.
2 CORINTHIANS 5:8 …to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord
JOHN M. ROLWING says
August 7, 2018 at 3:46 pmSo sad to learn of John’s passing. I knew him from family connections, thru his being a fellow camper at the notorious Camp Wood-N-Aqua in Ely, Minnesota…I bet that is where he learned the fine art of canoe over long distances that seemed so effortless. His enthusiasm for life and life’s experiences was his usual, and his attitude was contagious. My heartfelt condolences to his family, and my deep sympathies to all that could appreciate such a warm personality and yet be energized by his true optimism. I share your loss.
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