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William J. 'Bill' Cramer, 66

| March 28, 2018 2:00 AM

William J. “Bill” Cramer, 66, of Kalispell, passed away March 23, 2018, in Livingston.

Born Oct. 2, 1951, to Polly and Dick Cramer, his father was an officer in the Air Force and therefore Bill lived all over the world. He graduated from Great Falls High School in 1969, and then attended Montana State University. Bill joined the Air National Guard in 1973 and remained in the Reserves for a number of years.

He married Karen Beckman of Great Falls in 1975, the love of his life. They had two children Dan and Stefanie, who were his pride and joy. The Cramer family loved Kalispell and the outdoors to enjoy, especially their time on Ashley Lake.

He began a career with United Parcel Service (UPS) and soon changed to become a successful AC-Delco General Motors representative. He loved his work and his clients he met over the 30 years with General Motors. He traveled the state of Montana for many years and made some incredible friends.

He was a kind, loving man, who had a great sense of humor and could make you laugh instantly. He was transferred to Arizona for eight years before retiring. After retiring, he wanted nothing more then to move back home to Montana. He moved back in 2011. One of his favorite hobbies was NASCAR and he made many travels to watch his favorite drivers … Dale Earnhardt Sr. being his top driver.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents Dick and Polly Cramer, and his sister Janice.

He is survived by his wife, Karen son and daughter-in-law, Dan and Jody Cramer of Bozeman, and their children Riley, 9, and Coy, 4; daughter and son-in-law, Stefanie and Jason Hanson of Kalispell, and their children Justin, 4, and Annie, 2; his sisters, Peggy, Kathleen and Susan; and many nieces and nephews.

Bill loved his large extended family and was always Santa for the family gatherings. His fun loving spirit, kindness and sense of humor will be greatly missed.

Services are at 10 a.m. Monday, April 2, at St. Matthew’s Catholic Parish in Kalispell, with a graveside service and reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to 194 Frontage Park Road, Kalispell. Funds will be used to assist struggling alcoholic families. Please visit www.jgfuneralhome.com to leave condolences for the family. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.