Joann Marie Cramer

1935-2025

 

  Joann Marie Cramer, 89 of Keokuk, IA passed away Saturday, April 19, 2025 at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, IA. She was surrounded by loved ones when she passed.

     She was born August 9, 1935 in Keokuk, IA the daughter of Jack and Viola Norder Chambers. She attended school in Keokuk and was a lifelong resident. On March 10, 1951 Joann was united in marriage to Gerald Lee Cramer. He survives.

     Other survivors include five children, Vicki Briscoe (Tim) of Keokuk, Gerald Cramer, Jr. (Pam) of Largo, FL, Kim Merner of Cedar Falls, IA, Steve Cramer of Keokuk and April Crist (Jamie) of Cedar Grove, WI, eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren and two more on the way.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her mother-in-law, Viola Cramer “Jerry’s Mom.”

     In addition to building their lives together, Gerald and Joann started and built Cramer Real Estate and Auction Service into a thriving local business. They worked side by side for over thirty years until they retired. Upon her retirement she started her second career taking care of her great grandchildren.

     Joann was involved in many organizations during her years in business. She was a board member of the Hoerner YMCA, Questors, Keokuk Area Hospital, Keokuk Savings Bank, Rotary Club, Keokuk Board of Realtors and was the first female president of the Keokuk Chamber of Commerce among several others.

     What people did not know is there were countless children that had winter coats, hats, bicycles, shoes, beds and so much more through her generosity. She was truly an angel among us. She wasn’t above giving the “Joani treatment” to a local business urging them to donate items as well when a child was in need. It was her passion to help the less fortunate. Equal to her passion to help people was her desire to stay anonymous, preferring to work her magic behind the scenes.

     A memorial service will be held at a later date.

     Memorials may be made to “IFAPA” Iowa Foster & Adoptive Parents Association, 6864 NE 14th Street, Suite 5, Ankeny, IA  50023.

     Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com