Charles Henry (Hank) Cramer, age 90, passed peacefully at home on February 23, 2019 with son, Bill, and his cat, Baby, at his side. It was due to the 24/7 care given by Bill and Hank’s granddaughter Ashley, that he was able to be in his home until the time of his death.
Hank was born on November 11, 1928 in Helena to Egbert and Ida Cramer. His father died two months earlier in an accident on Green Meadow Ranch. He attended Bryant School and graduated from Helena High in 1948. On August 27, 1949 he married the love of his life, Betty Jean Schmidt. Betty passed away on March 11, 2014 having been married to Hank 64 years.
Hank entered the US Navy January 22, 1951 and served until December 27, 1954. He served as a Metalsmith Second Class in the Tacoma, Washington and San Diego shipyards and also aboard the USS Laertes AR-20 and USS Jason ARH-1.
Returning to Helena, Hank worked many mechanic and welding jobs. In 1960 he started Cramer Repair out of his shop at home, working on everything from small engines to D8 cats, and taking on any welding job, big or small, that came through the door. In 1967 he started his career as a welding instructor with the Helena Vo-Tech. In 1977, as a result of his efforts as a counselor, a teacher and a friend to his students in and out of the classroom, he was nominated for and received the Carroll College Community Appreciating Award. He retired from Vo-Tech in 1989 and then worked part-time at Caird Engineering and Fabrication for several years. In 2005 he began devoting all of his time to caring for his wife, Betty, until her death in 2014.
Hank was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Betty; brothers, John and Bert Cramer, Michael and David Colvin; sister, Violet Nick and grandson, William (Willie) Cramer.
He is survived by sons, Bob Cramer of Spokane, Washington and Bill Cramer of Helena; granddaughters, Hillary (Mickey) Ogg of Missoula, Ashley Cramer of Helena; great-grandchildren Emmett, Henry, Zander Ogg and Kylie Cramer; brothers, Tom (Margaret) Colvin, Gary (Shirley) Colvin; sisters Pat Read, Ethel Pengra; nephews, James “JR” Feucht of Helena, his wife, Clinda and daughter Mandi Fisher (Jordan), and Tom Carson (Vicki) of Tucson, Arizona.
The family wishes to thank all members of the St. Peter’s Hospice team that cared for Hank and extends a special thank you to Linda Robinson.
At Hank’s request, no services will be held. His ashes will be interred at the Montana Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. In lieu of flowers, donations in Hank’s name can be made to the Lewis & Clark Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Hank.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Thomas Juhl says
R.I.P. Hank ……
Bill & Sherri says
Thanks for the memories Hank
michael spurzem says
Hank was one of my dad’s best friends before he passed away in 2011. Hank was someone my dad could always count on when he needed help with anything. He was a true friend. They were part of “The Greatest Generation” and their members are leaving us way too quickly. Rest in peace Hank.
Ralph Beer says
I grew up across the street (1809 Butte Avenue) from Hank and his family, so Hank was a friend of mine for most of my life. He was a capable man, a good neighbor, and fine story teller. Hank’s boyhood hero was my mother’s step-father, Loui Lang, who got Hank started welding when Hank was still a boy.
Rest easy Hank. You’re one of the people who helped make the Sixth Ward a great place to live.
Linda Kindrick says
Hank and my parents go way back. Hank went to high school with my dad, Jack Rogers and grade school with my mom, Sue (Brunson) Rogers. After mom passed in 1990 and Betty passed, the two guys would see each other most every day. Cramer (not Charles thank you – that name is for mules!) was a true friend as he stopped by my dad’s most every morning at 6 to make sure dad was up and have a cup of coffee, and they would agitate the crap out of each other. They would cut and split wood together, and in general help each other out. Cramer was a very kind soul. He was well cared for by his son, Bill and granddaughter Ashley towards the end of his life and was able to die in his own bed at home – don’t we all wish we could do that.
God bless you Bill and family – so many good memories to sustain you.
Jeff and Linda Kindrick
Justin Pritchard says
Hank had always been one of my favorite customers at the pharmacy. He reminded me in many ways of my own Grandpa and I took a shine to him instantly. I listened intently to many of his stories about his time in the service, his advice on blacksmithing and about life in general. As mentioned above, he was a man of the greatest generation. A veteran and a man not afraid of hard work. I’m proud to have been his pharmacist and to call him my friend.
God Bless Hank and his Family.
Justin Pritchard
Rob Roddy says
Hank and my father grew up in the Sixth Ward at the same time and lived there most of their lives. They were good friends growing up . I heard a lot of interesting stories about their child hood and adult lives as very close friends. Hank was my godfather. I spend tons of time in his shop as a kid and adult. Learned a lot from him. Was fun to sit by the stove and hear stories about him and my dads shenanigans. Some I was told to keep to myself. He had his ways but I always had a great respect for him and was in awe of the knowledge and skills he had. Very few people today can do a lot of the old school tricks he knew. I kept my mouth shut and tried to learn as much as I could. But boy did he have a lot to share. Even learned some words I never knew existed. I probably should keep those to myself also. RIP Hank, never will forget you.
John Beatty says
What a great man and friend.
You will be missed.
Rest in peace.
Lisa Cramer says
R.I.P Hank…You will be missed but not forgotten! Thanks for the good times.
Loren Hawkinson says
I attended Helena Vo-tech in 1983.. Hank Cramer’s guidance has continued to help me through my professional career… RIP Hank…. You were one of the good ones…
Ronnie Pursley says
Hank Cramer was one of a select few that God put on earth to take care of others. I can remember growing up in the 6th Ward and stop by the house to visit Billy to find Hank and Betty had taken in a stray cat or 2. I ate many a meal at their dinner table and they never ever asked for anything. Many a car or truck was repaired in that garage and no money changed hands just a “get out of here and don’t come back”. Going fishing with Hank and Billy was something I will cherish forever. I will never forget the kindness that a man so gruff could have. He will never be forgotten…
Marcia Reynolds says
I’m trying to find Bob Cramer. I am a friend from Helena Mt. Marcia Reynolds.