1. JOHN (ABEL/EBELING)1 KRAMER was born December 22, 1831 in Prussia (came with Barbara to Ogle Co. in about 1868 probably from Covington, KY area, appears in 1870 Mt. Morris Twp. and 1880 Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL census), and died February 14, 1900 in Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL. He married BARBARA ANN ? Abt. 1868. She was born January 18, 1834 in Bavaria, Germany (appears in 1860 5th Ward, Covington Co., KY census living with first husband, Dominic August and 1900 Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL census living with son Louis), and died September 01, 1907 in Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL.

Notes for JOHN (ABEL/EBELING) KRAMER:
John (Abel) Kramer apparently spelled his name Cramer at one time since both the 1870 and 1880 Ogle Co. census records show it spelled Cramer. His first name is spelled Abel in the 1870 census so that may have been his real first name or a middle name. It is spelled John Kramer on his gravestone in the North Grove Evangelical Church cemetery in Leaf River Twp. I found a marriage record for one of John's daughters, Mary, that had her father's first name spelled Ebeling.

According to the 1870 census John and Barbara (August, Anst, Ernst) lived in Mt. Morris Township, Ogle Co., IL and the 1880 census has John and Barbara living in Leaf River Township.

Census records state he was born in (Prussia) Germany.

Census records indicate he had two children from his wife, Barbara August's earlier marriage living with them according to the 1870 and 1880 census: Morris and Anna August. (I have also seen Barbara's last name spelling as Ernst and Anst)

Since his first children (twins Mary and Lena) with Barbara were born on January 30, 1869 in IL, he probably married her in about 1868.

Barbara was born January 18, 1834 in Germany and is believed to have been first married in about 1855 to Dominic August who died about 1865 in an accident. I found an 1860 census record from Covington, KY that shows Dominic and Barbara August living there with son, Morris.

Barbara's son, Morris August, from her first marriage was born April 2, 1859 in Covington, Kentucky as I have found his obituary and death certificate. He married and died in Stephenson Co., IL.

According to Barbara's death notice in the Rockford (IL) Morning Star, Barbara came to Ogle Co., IL with her husband about 39 years ago which would be 1868.

Records show John Kramer bought 160 acres on February 24, 1875 from Luther Hunter. Luther Hunter bought the land in 1865 from Henry Frost's widow, Phoebe who left the state. Henry Frost bought the land from Reuben Odell who had bought the land on May 28, 1842, probably from the government. Another 15 5/8 acres was bought by Fleming Welch from the U.S. government on May 28, 1842. John bought this land on March 29, 1895. Another 80 acres was originally bought on June 30, 1842 by Christian Rowland. John bought this land on December 6, 1882 from John Zimmerman.

Rockford Daily Gazette obituary-February 20, 1900:

John Cramer died Feb. 14 and was buried at the Evangelistic church cemetery, Rev. Nauman officating. Deceased was in his 69th year.

More About JOHN (ABEL/EBELING) KRAMER:
Burial: North Grove Evangelical Cemetery, Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL

Notes for BARBARA ANN ?:
Mt. Morris "Index" Obituary:

Mrs. John Cramer, who had made her home recently with her daughter, Mrs. Henry Fogle, has passed away. She with her husband, came to Ogle County about thirty-nine years ago and since that time had lived the greater part of the time in Leaf River Township. The deceased lived for many years on what was known as the Odell farm, where her husband, John Cramer, died some six or seven years ago. The funeral occurred Tuesday, Sept. 3, at North Grove Evangelical Church. She had passed her 72nd year at the time of her death and leaves to mourn, two daughters and two sons with many friends.

September 5, 1907 Rockford Morning Star:

As the first of September was closing, and the son in the western sky was sinking low, word comes to us that the death messenger had stopped in our township, taking two of our quite aged citizens, Mrs. John Cramer, who had made her home recently with her daughter, Mrs. Henry Fogle, had passed away. She, with her husband, came to Ogle Co. about thirty-nine years ago, and since that time lived the greater part of the time in Leaf River Township. The deceased lived for many years on what was known as the ODell farm, where her husband, John Cramer, died some six or seven years ago. The funeral took place on Tuesday, September 3, at the North Grove Evangelical Church. She had passed her seventy-second year at the time of her death, and leaves to mourn two daughters, and two sons with many friends.

More About BARBARA ANN ?:
Burial: North Grove Evangelical Cemetery, Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL

Children of JOHN KRAMER and BARBARA ? are:
2. i. MARY C.2 KRAMER, b. January 30, 1869, Mt. Morris Twp., Ogle Co., IL; d. September 30, 1946, Mt. Morris, Ogle Co., IL.
3. ii. LENA "LANNIE" KRAMER, b. January 30, 1869, Mt. Morris Twp., Ogle Co., IL (appears in 1910 Leaf River Twp., 1920, 1930 and 1940 Maryland Twp., Ogle Co., IL census); d. December 20, 1948, Adeline, Maryland Twp., Ogle Co., IL.
4. iii. CARRIE MARGARET KRAMER, b. March 04, 1871, Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL; d. January 17, 1938, Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL.
5. iv. LOUIS CLARENCE KRAMER, b. December 25, 1875, Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL (appears in 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930 and 1940 Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL census); d. October 03, 1960, Hospital, Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL.

 

Generation No. 2

2. MARY C.2 KRAMER (JOHN (ABEL/EBELING)1) was born January 30, 1869 in Mt. Morris Twp., Ogle Co., IL, and died September 30, 1946 in Mt. Morris, Ogle Co., IL. She married HERMAN "HARM" C. BEARMAN January 12, 1888 in Mt. Morris, Ogle Co., IL, son of FRIEDERICK BEARMAN and AUGUSTA SCHROEDER. He was born February 10, 1858 in 2 miles NW of Freeport, Stephenson Co., IL (appears in 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930 and 1940 Mt. Morris Twp., Ogle Co., IL census), and died January 15, 1959 in Hospital, Freeport, Stephenson Co., IL.

Notes for MARY C. KRAMER:
Illinois Deaths and Stillbirths Index, 1916-1947

Name: Mary Bearman
[Mary Cramer]
Birth Date: 30 Jan 1869
Birth Place: Leaf River Twp , Ogle, Ill
Death Date: 30 Sep 1946
Death Place: Mt. Morris, Ogle, Illinois
Burial Date: 2 Oct 1946
Burial Place: Mt. Morris Twp., Ogle, Illinois
Cemetery Name: Oakwood
Death Age: 77
Race: White
Marital Status: M
Gender: Female
Father Name: John Cramer
Father Birth Place: Germany
Mother Birth Place: Germany
Spouse Name: Herman C. Bearman
FHL Film Number: 1991350

More About MARY C. KRAMER:
Burial: Oakwood Cemetery, Mt. Morris, Ogle Co., IL

Notes for HERMAN "HARM" C. BEARMAN:
MOUNT MORRIS-Herman C. Bearman, Mount Morris, who celebrated his 100th birthday last February 10, died late Thursday afternoon in Deaconess Hospital, Freeport, after a short illness.

Mr. Bearman was born on a farm northweat of Freeport before the famed Lincoln-Douglas debates, one of which was held in Freeport. He was 7 years of age when Lincoln was assasinated

His family moved to Ogle County a short time after Mr. Bearman was born. Mr. Bearman was 3 years of age when the family settled on a farm near Mount Morris. He had lived in the Mount Morris area since that time.

He married Mary Kramer, January 12, 1888, and the couple settled on a homestead near Mount Morris. He didn't quit farming until his 90th birthday. His wife died in 1946.

Mr. Bearman was active until a short time before his death. He credited his longevity to regular eating and sleeping habits plus abstinance from tobacco and liquor.

Surviving are Mrs.....missing a few lines.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday in Trinity Lutheran Church.

More About HERMAN "HARM" C. BEARMAN:
Burial: Oakwood Cemetery, Mt. Morris, Ogle Co., IL

Children of MARY KRAMER and HERMAN BEARMAN are:
i. CARRIE AUGUSTA3 BEARMAN, b. May 23, 1888, Ogle Co., IL; d. April 08, 1967, Mt. Morris, Ogle Co., IL; m. WILLIAM AUGUST FRIEDRICH GARKEY, December 20, 1907, Mt. Morris, Ogle Co., IL; b. July 08, 1885, Mt. Morris Twp., Ogle Co., IL (appears in 1910, 1920, 1930 and 1940 Mt. Morris Twp., Ogle Co., IL census); d. April 27, 1964, Mt. Morris Twp., Ogle Co., IL.

Notes for CARRIE AUGUSTA BEARMAN:
OBITUARY

Mrs. Carrie Garkey, 78, a life long resident of Mount Morris died Saturday afternoon in Pinecrest Manor, where she had lived for the past three years.

Mrs. Garkey was born May 23, 1888 in Mount Morris, the daughter of Herman and Mary Kramer Bearman. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church.

Survivors include a son, Vernon; three grandchildren, and a brother, Clarence, of Mount Morris. Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. in Trinity Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Ralph Ryberg, Pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. today in the Finch Funeral Home.

 

 

More About CARRIE AUGUSTA BEARMAN:
Burial: Oakwood Cemetery, Mt. Morris, Ogle Co., IL

Notes for WILLIAM AUGUST FRIEDRICH GARKEY:
OBITUARY

Funeral services are being held today, Thursday, for William A. Garkey, 78, who died Monday morning, April 27, 1964, at his home northwest of Mount Morris.

Mr. Garkey was born July 8, 1885 in Mount Morris Township, the son of Henry and Melinda Rohns Garkey. We was engaged in farming all of his life.

On December 18, 1905, he was united in marriage with Carrie Bearman in Mount Morris. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church.

He is survived by his widow; one son, Vernon of Rockford, one grandson, and three great grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Annie Brinker and Mrs. Ella Springer of Mount Morris; two brothers, Roy of Oregon, and Jesse of Rockford.

The Rev. Ralph Ryberg will officiate at the services at 2 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church and burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery.

More About WILLIAM AUGUST FRIEDRICH GARKEY:
Burial: Oakwood Cemetery, Mt. Morris Twp., Ogle Co., IL

ii. ELVERNA "VERNIE" BEARMAN, b. October 1889, Ogle Co., IL; d. 1958; m. MERRITT H. MIDDLEKAUFF, 1912; b. December 1889, IL (appears in 1920, 1930 and 1940 Mt. Morris Twp., Ogle Co., IL census); d. November 26, 1959, Ogle Co., IL.

More About ELVERNA "VERNIE" BEARMAN:
Burial: Oakwood Cemetery, Mt. Morris Twp., Ogle Co., IL

More About MERRITT H. MIDDLEKAUFF:
Burial: Oakwood Cemetery, Mt. Morris Twp., Ogle Co., IL

iii. CLARENCE FREDERICK BEARMAN, b. October 17, 1898, Ogle Co., IL (appears in 1930 and 1940 Mt. Morris Twp., Ogle Co., IL census); d. March 13, 1996, Oregon, Ogle Co., IL; m. ETHEL PEARL JACKSON, September 10, 1921, Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL; b. March 19, 1897, MD; d. September 03, 1985, Mt. Morris, Ogle Co., IL.

More About CLARENCE FREDERICK BEARMAN:
Burial: Oakwood Cemetery, Mt. Morris, Ogle Co., IL

More About ETHEL PEARL JACKSON:
Burial: Oakwood Cemetery, Mt. Morris, Ogle Co., IL

 

3. LENA "LANNIE"2 KRAMER (JOHN (ABEL/EBELING)1) was born January 30, 1869 in Mt. Morris Twp., Ogle Co., IL (appears in 1910 Leaf River Twp., 1920, 1930 and 1940 Maryland Twp., Ogle Co., IL census), and died December 20, 1948 in Adeline, Maryland Twp., Ogle Co., IL. She married HENRY FOGLE May 12, 1888 in Stephenson Co., IL, son of JOHN FOGLE and FREDERIKA SPARR. He was born June 05, 1862 in IL (appears in 1900 Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL census), and died October 16, 1906.

More About LENA "LANNIE" KRAMER:
Burial: North Grove Evangelical Cemetery, Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL

More About HENRY FOGLE:
Burial: North Grove Evangelical Cemetery, Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL

Children of LENA KRAMER and HENRY FOGLE are:
i. JESSE L.3 FOGLE, b. July 01, 1888, Freeport, Stephenson Co., IL; d. September 03, 1898, Leaf River, Ogle Co., IL.

More About JESSE L. FOGLE:
Burial: North Grove Evangelical Cemetery near Leaf River, Ogle Co., IL

ii. BESSIE MARIA FOGLE, b. December 16, 1894, IL; d. 1965; m. WALTER D. GARKEY, November 13, 1914, Ogle Co., IL; b. July 1889, Maryland Twp., Ogle Co., IL (appears in 1920, 1930 and 1940 Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL census); d. November 1961.

More About BESSIE MARIA FOGLE:
Burial: North Grove Evangelical Cemetery, Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL

More About WALTER D. GARKEY:
Burial: North Grove Evangelical Cemetery, Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL

 

4. CARRIE MARGARET2 KRAMER (JOHN (ABEL/EBELING)1) was born March 04, 1871 in Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL, and died January 17, 1938 in Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL. She married WILLIAM C. BEARMAN August 07, 1890 in North Grove, Ogle Co., IL, son of FRIEDERICK BEARMAN and AUGUSTA SCHROEDER. He was born December 26, 1865 in Mt. Morris Twp., Ogle Co., IL (appears in 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930 and 1940 Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL census), and died April 10, 1949 in Ogle Co., IL.

Notes for CARRIE MARGARET KRAMER:
Illinois Deaths and Stillbirths Index, 1916-1947:

Name: Carrie Bearman
[Carrie Kramer]
Birth Date: 4 Mar 1871
Birth Place: Mt. Morris, Illinois
Death Date: 17 Jan 1938
Death Place: Leaf River Ogle, Illinois
Burial Date: 19 Jan 1938
Burial Place: Leaf River, Ogle, Illinois
Cemetery Name: North Grove Evangelical
Death Age: 66
Occupation: Housewife
Race: White
Marital Status: M
Gender: Female
Residence: Leaf River, Ogle, Illinois
Father Name: John Kramer
Father Birth Place: Unknown, Germany
Mother Birth Place: Unknown, Unknown
Spouse Name: William Bearman
FHL Film Number: 1818552

MRS. CARRIE BEARMAN

Leaf River, Jan. 18--Mrs. Carrie Bearman, 66, died at her farm home five miles northwest of here at 10 a.m. Monday after a long illness. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 1 p.m. at home and at 1:30 p.m. at the North Grove Evangelical Church. Burial will be in the North Grove Cemetery.

Mrs. Bearman, the daughter of John and Barbara Kramer, was born March 4, 1871 and was married to William Bearman, August 7, 1890. Surviving are her husband; one daughter, Mrs. Everett Pals; two sisters, Mrs. Harm Bearman, Mount Morris, and Mrs. Lena Fogle, German Valley; one half-sister, Mrs. Annie Emery, Stephney Depot, Conn.; a brother, Louis Kramer, Leaf River, and a half-brother, Morris August.

Rockford (IL) Register-Republic, January 18, 1938

More About CARRIE MARGARET KRAMER:
Burial: North Grove Evangelical Cemetery, Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL

More About WILLIAM C. BEARMAN:
Burial: North Grove Evangelical Cemetery, Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL

Child of CARRIE KRAMER and WILLIAM BEARMAN is:
i. PEARL AUGUSTA3 BEARMAN, b. February 23, 1891, Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL; d. August 11, 1980; m. EVERETT GARRETT PALS, December 28, 1910, Freeport, Stephenson Co., IL; b. January 12, 1889, Ogle Co., IL (appears in 1920, 1930 and 1940 Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL census); d. May 25, 1968, Nursing Home, Freeport, Stephenson Co., IL.

More About PEARL AUGUSTA BEARMAN:
Burial: North Grove Evangelical Cemetery, Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL

More About EVERETT GARRETT PALS:
Burial: North Grove Evangelical Cemetery, Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL

 

5. LOUIS CLARENCE2 KRAMER (JOHN (ABEL/EBELING)1) was born December 25, 1875 in Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL (appears in 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930 and 1940 Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL census), and died October 03, 1960 in Hospital, Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL. He met (1) ANNA BOWERMAN Abt. 1901, daughter of SOLOMON BOWERMAN and MARGARET MOTTER. She was born June 04, 1879 in Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL (appears in 1940 Leaf River, Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL census), and died May 17, 1943 in Oregon, Ogle Co., IL. He married (2) JENNIE CADY HOVERLAND March 02, 1904 in Freeport, Stephenson Co., IL, daughter of FREDERICK HOVERLAND and JANE BROWN. She was born December 03, 1883 in Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL, and died April 19, 1956 in Hospital, Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL.

Notes for LOUIS CLARENCE KRAMER:
His farm was located on Otter Rd. that he inherited from his father. Jennie's brother, George Hoverland's farm was west of Louis'.

KRAMER ANNIVERSARY

Mrs. and Mrs. Louis Kramer of Egan will observe their golden wedding anniversary on March 2.

Mr. Kramer is the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Kramer and Mrs. Kramer is the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Fred Hoverland.

The couple was married March 2, 1904 at Freeport.

Mr. and Mrs. Kramer were engaged in farming on his home place north of Leaf River until eight years ago, when they retired and moved to a small home near Leaf River.

The couple have seven children: Ralph, Rockford; Dorothy Stine, Joliet; Luella Hagen, Lombard; Helen Reber, Nellie Mae Wilson, Fred and Howard "Jim", all of Egan. There are ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

The family will gather at the home on Sunday, March 7, to present Mr. and Mrs. Kramer with a television set in honor of the occasion.

Open House will not be held, because of the ill health of Mrs. Kramer for the past several years.

Leaf River Register, 1954

OBITUARY

Louis C. Kramer, 84, died Monday afternoon in Rockford Memorial Hospital where he had been a patient four days.

Mr. Kramer was born December 25, 1875 in Leaf River Township, son of John and Barbara Kramer. He was married to Jennie Hoverland on March 2, 1904 in Freeport. She died April 19, 1956.

Mr. Kramer was a retired farmer and lived in this area his entire life.

Survivors include three sons: Ralph, Rockford; Fred and Howard, Egan and four daughters; Mrs. Hibbard Reber, Byron; Mrs. Harold Stine, Joliet; Mrs. Orvel Hagen, Lombard and Mrs. Paul Wilson, Egan. There are 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Visitation was held on Wednesday evening and services were held at 2 p.m. on Thursday in Byron at the Bakener-Morrison Funeral Home. The Rev. David Swope, pastor of the Leaf River Methodist Church officiated.

Burial was in Lightsville Cemetery.

More About LOUIS CLARENCE KRAMER:
Burial: Lightsville Cemetery, Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL

Notes for ANNA BOWERMAN:
Name: Anna Myers
[Anna Bowerman]
Birth Date: abt 1880
Death Date: 17 May 1943
Death Place: Oregon, Ogle, Illinois
Death Age: 63
Gender: Female
Father Name: Soloman B. Bowerman
Mother Name: Margret Motter
Spouse Name: Milton Myers
FHL Film Number: 1983454

More About ANNA BOWERMAN:
Burial: North Grove Evangelical Cemetery, Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL

Notes for JENNIE CADY HOVERLAND:
From notes of Erma Cramer:

Jennie Kramer kept her first daughter, Helen, home from school until Dorothy was able to go and they could go together to Egan School. When she entered them into school, she changed the spelling of their name from Kramer to Cramer because she thought it sounded less German. It was World War I time and the people of German heritage in the neighboring town of German Valley were under surveillance by the U.S. government. They actually changed the name of German Valley to Meeken. It was later changed back to German Valley. All of the children's school records were with the Cramer spelling.

We never really knew where Louis or Jennie attended country school. Recently a neighbor purchased a picture of pupils and teacher from the North Grove Elementary School and Jennie and her brother George are in it. It also possibly includes their younger sisters, Annabelle and Elizabeth. All of Louis and Jennie's belongings were lost in a house fire when Helen and Dorothy were in 1st grade. The family lived in a granery while rebuilding.

Jennie said she was the only girl she ever knew who was a junior. She was named after her mother, Jane Cady Brown Hoverland. She was called Jennie instead of Jane. She said the Kady on her mother's tombstone is wrong and should be Cady.

Jennie said she walked west on Otter Rd. during her last pregnancy (Jim) to care for her mother who had developed throat cancer.

Jennie would not allow playing cards in the house because Methodists of that time were against drinking, dancing, and card playing. The domino game of "42" was the social game of the time but Jennie didn't play.

OBITUARY-MRS. LOUIS KRAMER DIES

Mrs. Louis Kramer, 72, a lifelong resident of the Leaf River area, died Thursday morning in Rockford Memorial Hospital, after a prolonged illness.

Mrs. Kramer was born in Leaf River on December 3, 1883, the daughter of Fred and Jane Hoverland. She was married to Louis Kramer March 2, 1904 in Freeport.

She was a member of the Leaf River Methodist Church and a charter member of the Women's Society of Christian Service, also a member of the Sunset of Life group of that society.

Surviving are her husband; four daughters, Mrs. Harold Stine of Joliet, Mrs. Orvel Hagen of Lombard, Mrs. Hibbard Reber, Sr. and Mrs. Paul Wilson, both of Egan, three sons, Ralph Cramer of Rockford and Fred and Howard Cramer, both of Egan. She also leaves 10 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and a brother, George Hoverland of Egan.

Mrs. Kramer was preceded in death by two sisters and an infant son.

Services were held Sunday at 2 p.m. in the Leaf River Methodist Church. The Rev. William Lewis, former Leaf River pastor, officated. Burial was in Lightsville Cemetery.

Rockford Morning Star, April 1956

 

More About JENNIE CADY HOVERLAND:
Burial: Lightsville Cemetery, Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL

Child of LOUIS KRAMER and ANNA BOWERMAN is:
i. HAROLD LAWRENCE "JAKIE"3 BOWERMAN, b. June 23, 1902, Leaf River, Ogle Co., IL (appears in 1940 Leaf River, Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL census); d. December 15, 1996, Sun City, Maricopa Co., AZ; m. MYRNA MAE MORGAN, December 18, 1936, Leaf River, Ogle Co., IL; b. January 30, 1913, Ogle Co., IL; d. February 04, 1998.

Notes for HAROLD LAWRENCE "JAKIE" BOWERMAN:
1930 Census - Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL - Minnie Bowerman (head of household, 45 yrs., single, b. IL, parents b. PA, clerk - grocery store), Harold Bowerman (nephew, 27 yrs., single, b. IL, parents b. IL, salesman - retail bakery)

More About HAROLD LAWRENCE "JAKIE" BOWERMAN:
Burial: Lightsville Cemetery, Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL

More About MYRNA MAE MORGAN:
Burial: Lightsville Cemetery, Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL


Children of LOUIS KRAMER and JENNIE HOVERLAND are:
ii. HELEN ELIZABETH3 CRAMER, b. February 18, 1905, Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL; d. November 27, 1994, Byron, Ogle Co., IL; m. HIBBARD HENRY REBER, August 14, 1924, Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL; b. October 04, 1901, Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL (appears in 1930 and 1940 Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL census); d. March 07, 1978, Byron, Ogle Co., IL.

Notes for HELEN ELIZABETH CRAMER:
OBITUARY

BYRON - Helen E. Reber, 89, died Sunday, November 27, 1994 in Neighbor's Nursing Home after a long illness. Born February 18, 1905 in Leaf River, the daughter of Louis and Jennie Hoverland Kramer. Married Hibbard H. Reber, August 14, 1924, in Rockford, he died March 7, 1978. Member of United Church of Byron. Graduated from Leaf River High School and taught at White Eagle Grade School for one year prior to her marriage. Survivors include her son, Hibbard (Shirley) Reber of Byron; daughter Marilyn (Gene) Marshall of Mount Morris; six grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; and eight step-great grandchildren; brother, Howard (Helen) Cramer of Egan; two sisters, Dorothy Stine and Nellie Mae Wilson of Rockford. Also predeceased by brothers, Ralph and Fred Cramer, sister, Luella Hagen, and granddaughter, Vicki Reber.

Funeral service at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 30, in Farrell-Holland Funeral Home, 506 W. Merchant St., Byron, with the Rev. Michael Marshall, pastor of United Methodist Church, Barrington, and the Rev. Jane Knowles, associate pastor of the United Church of Byron, co-officating. Burial in Byron Cemetery. Visitation 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday in the funeral home. Memorial established for Neighbor's Nursing Home.

More About HELEN ELIZABETH CRAMER:
Burial: Byron Cemetery, Byron, Ogle Co., IL

More About HIBBARD HENRY REBER:
Burial: Byron Cemetery, Byron, Ogle Co., IL

iii. DOROTHY GENEVIEVE CRAMER, b. March 22, 1907, Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL; d. May 28, 1995, Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL; m. RICHARD HAROLD STINE, June 10, 1933, Brookfield, LaSalle Co., IL; b. August 30, 1906, Leaf River, Ogle Co., IL; d. January 08, 1989, Macungie, Lehigh Co., PA.

Notes for DOROTHY GENEVIEVE CRAMER:
Dorothy G. Stine, 88, of 4405 Highcrest Road, died Sunday, May 28, 1995, in Swedish-American Hospital. Born March 22, 1907 in Leaf River, the daughter of Louis and Jennie Hoverland Kramer. Married Richard Harold Stine on June 10, 1933 in Brookfield, IL, he died January 1989. Graduate of Northern Illinois Teachers College, DeKalb. Taught elementary grades for nearly 18 years, first in Brookfield, IL and later in Lockport, IL. Member of Richard Street Methodist Church, Joliet, First United Methodist Church, DeLand, FL and Bethany United Methodist Church, Allentown, PA. She was active in PTA, band parents and various church activities. Survivors include her son, James G. Stine of Prospect Heights; two granddaughters, Anne E. Stine and Sarah F. Stine; brother, Howard "Jim" (Helen) Cramer of Leaf River; sister, Nellie Mae Wilson of Rockford; and numerous nieces and nephews. Also predeceased by two brothers and two sisters.

Services at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 31, in Farrell-Holland Funeral Home, 506 W. Merchant St., Byron, with the Rev. James Brashear, officating.

More About DOROTHY GENEVIEVE CRAMER:
Burial: Lightsville Cemetery, Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL

More About RICHARD HAROLD STINE:
Burial: Lightsville Cemetery, Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL

iv. RALPH WALTER CRAMER, b. April 20, 1909, Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL (appears in 1940 Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL census); d. February 02, 1987, Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL; m. ELVA FLORENCE SCHELLING, June 13, 1936, Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL; b. January 05, 1912, Leaf River, Ogle Co., IL; d. September 20, 1990, Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL.

Notes for RALPH WALTER CRAMER:
Graduated Leaf River, IL H.S. in 1927
U.S. Navy 9/28/43-11/16/43, medical discharge
Retired Lou Bachrodt Chevrolet in 1971

Cramer farm home, between Leaf River and Egan ?-1941
407 E. Buffalo St., Polo, IL 1941-1943
Small house on So. Main St. Road, Rockford, IL 1943-1946
807 N. Central Ave., Rockford, IL 1946-1960
2203 Arthur Ave., Rockford, IL 1960-1978
1702 River Bluff Blvd., Rockford, IL 1978-1990

OBITUARY

Ralph W. Cramer, 77, Rockford, died February 2, 1987, in Swedish-American Hospital after a long illness.

He was born April 20, 1909, in Leaf River, the son of Louis and Jane Hoverland Kramer.

He married the former Elva Schelling in Rockford, June 13, 1936.

Mr. Cramer lived 40 years in Rockford, coming from Leaf River. He was employed as salesman by Lou Bachrodt Chevrolet for 18 years, retiring in 1971. A member of St. John United Methodist Church. Graduated from Leaf River High School.

Survivors include his wife, Elva; two sons and their wives, Roger and Sue, Rockford; Marvin and Cheri, Buchanan, Mich.; four sisters, Helen Reber, Byron, Dorothy Stine, Deland, Fla., Luella Hagen, Rockford, and Nellie Wilson, Egan; two brothers, Fred, Melbourne, Fla., and Howard "Jim", Egan; seven grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Marilee Ann.

Services were held at 1:30 p.m. February 4 in Fitzgerald & Son Funeral Home Ltd., Rockford, with the Rev. Todd Singley, pastor of St. John United Methodist Church officating. Burial was in Willwood Burial Park.

 

 

 

More About RALPH WALTER CRAMER:
Burial: Willwood Burial Park, Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL

Notes for ELVA FLORENCE SCHELLING:
From notes written by Elva Schelling Cramer:

My brother, Walter and I walked the 6 or 7 blocks to school every day and back home for lunch. Occasionally when it was very cold, Walter would go to the store for sandwich meat and we would take our lunches. There were only about 100 students when we were in high school. Walter played basketball and baseball. Our parents were proud that Walter and I both graduated as valedictorians of our class. Walter graduated in 1928 and I in 1929. Eleanor Balluff was salutitorian of my class in 1929. Walter met Eleanor in high school and later married.

Lived at Polo, IL when Marilee was born (lived only 4 days). Still lived in Polo when Roger was born in 1943. Moved to Rockford when Roger was 3 mos. old and lived in Rockford 47 years.

 

OBITUARY

Elva F. Cramer, 78, 1702 River Bluff Blvd., died at 9:35 p.m. Thursday, September 20, 1990, in Alma Nelson Manor Nursing Home, after a long illness. Born January 5, 1912, in Leaf River, daughter of William A. and Addie Schelling. Lived 47 years in Rockford, coming here from Leaf River.

Married Ralph W. Cramer in Rockford, June 13, 1936. Teacher 22 years in Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago counties; retired from Rockford Public School system in 1975. Member Beth-Eden United Methodist Church, Illinois Retired Teachers Association. Graduated from Leaf River High School. Attended former Northern Illinois State Teacher's College.

Survivors include two sons, Roger (Sue) Cramer, Rockford, and Marvin (Cheryl) Cramer, Buchanan, Mich., six grandchildren, Dan and Sheri Cramer, Rockford; Becky Corwith, Defiance, Ohio; Jay, Melissa, and Sarah Cramer, Buchanan; two step-grandchildren, Todd and Tammi Mincemoyer, Rockford; two grandchildren, Justin and Brandy Lynn Corwin, Defiance; two nephews, Brian (Karen) |Schelling, Rochester, Minn., and Wayne Schelling, Mount Morris; and two special friends, Polly Hurd, and Sally Stover. Predeceased by husband in 1987, parents, infant daughter, and brother and sister-in-law, Walter and Eleanor Schelling, Mount Morris.

Services at 2 p.m. Monday, September 24, in Beth-Eden United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Rodney Dillinger, pastor, officiating. Burial in Willwood Burial Park. Arrangements by Fitzgerald & Son Funeral Home Ltd., 3910 N. Rockton Ave., where friends may call from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday.

More About ELVA FLORENCE SCHELLING:
Burial: Willwood Burial Park, Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL

v. LUELLA MAXINE CRAMER, b. November 18, 1911, Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL; d. September 25, 1988, Anchorage, Anchorage Co., AK; m. ORVEL GEORGE HAGAN, June 03, 1933, Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL; b. October 14, 1906, Princetown, Mercer Co., MO; d. March 25, 1985, Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL.

Notes for LUELLA MAXINE CRAMER:
OBITUARY

Luella M. Hagen, 76, Rockford, formerly of Leaf River, died on Sunday, September 25 in Providence Hospital, Anchorage, Alaska after a sudden illness.

She was born November 18, 1911 in Leaf River, the daughter of Louis and Jennie Hoverland Kramer.

She married Orvel G. Hagen in Rockford on June 3, 1933. He died March 25, 1985.

Mrs. Hagen graduated from Leaf River schools, attended Northern Illinois State Teachers College, DeKalb, and taught in rural one-room Leaf River schools.

Survivors include son Richard (Lynn) Hagen, Anchorage; two grandchildren, Michael, Seattle and Michelle, Anchorage; two brothers, Fred Cramer, Melbourne Beach, FL and Howard "Jim" Cramer, Leaf River; three sisters, Helen Reber, Byron, Dorothy (Harold) Stine, Allentown, PA, and Mrs. Nellie Mae (Paul) Wilson, Egan.

She was predeceased by a brother, Ralph.

Services were on Friday, September 30 in Morrison-Genandt Funeral Home, Byron, with the Rev. Patrick Coakley, pastor of Pine Grove Free Methodist Church, Rockford, officiating.

Burial in Lightsville Cemetery, Leaf River, and a memorial is being established.

More About LUELLA MAXINE CRAMER:
Burial: Lightsville Cemetery, Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL

Notes for ORVEL GEORGE HAGAN:
OBITUARY

Orvel G. Hagen, 78, 3128 Prial Ave., died at 1:45 p.m. Monday, March 25, 1985 in Rockford Memorial Hospital after a sudden illness. Born October 14, 1906 in Princetown, MO, son of Benjamin and Edith Graham Hagen. Lived six years in Rockford, coming from Lombard, where he lived 40 years. Married the former Luella M. Cramer in Rockford, June 3, 1933. Formerly employed as cost accountant by Taylor Forge, Cicero. Memer First Methodist Church, Lombard. Attended Chillicothe, MO Business College.

Survivors include his wife, Luella, Rockford; a son Richard, Anchorage, Alaska; two grandchildren, Michael and Michelle; a brother, Roscoe Hagen, Corydon, Iowa; two sisters, Mrs. Vera Piper, Green Valley, AZ; and Mrs. Delores Standerwick, Carpentersville; several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by parents and a sister, Helen Hill.

Services at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 28 at Morrison-Genandt Funeral Home, 506 W. Merchant St., Byron, with the Rev. Dwight E. Borden, pastor of United Church of Byron, officiating. Burial in Lightsville Cemetery. No visitation. Memorials to American Heart Assocation.

More About ORVEL GEORGE HAGAN:
Burial: Lightsville Cemetery, Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL

vi. NELLIE MAE CRAMER, b. May 06, 1915, Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL; d. May 16, 1996, Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL; m. PAUL H. WILSON, June 27, 1936, Oak Park, Cook Co., IL; b. December 18, 1914, Freeport, Stephenson Co., IL (appears in 1940 Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL census); d. May 31, 1994, Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL.

More About NELLIE MAE CRAMER:
Burial: Lightsville Cemetery, Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL

Notes for PAUL H. WILSON:
OBITUARY

Paul H. Wilson, 79, a resident of Dierks Drive, former resident of Leaf River and Egan, died Tuesday, May 31, 1994, in Saint Anthony Medical Center. Born December 18, 1914, in Freeport, the son of John and Alice Myers Wilson. Married Nellie Mae Cramer in Oak Park, June 27, 1936. Farmed in Leaf River and Egan areas most of his life. Also worked for J. I. Case Co. and J. L. Clark Manufacturing Co. Retired and moved to Rockford in 1991. Served on Leaf River School Board 20 years followed by seven years as school district treasurer. Member of Leaf River United Methodist Church and Samuel Davis Masonic Lodge 96, Mount Morris, serving as treasurer and former past master.

Survivors include his wife, Nellie Mae, Rockford; son, Robert (Carol) Wilson, Rockford; granddaughter, Laura (Roger) Merrill, Loves Park; two step-granddaughters, Laura and Stacy Grandelis, Rockford; brother, Ralph (Esther) Wilson, Leaf River; sister, Lois Schroder, Seward; and several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by parents.

Services at 1: p.m. Friday, June 3, in Farrell-Holland Funeral Home, 506 W. Merchant St., Byron, with the Rev. Carlton Easley, pastor of North Grove Christian Church, officating. Burial in Lightsville Cemetery, Leaf River. Visitation 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial established for Saint Anthony Medical Center Oncology Unit.

More About PAUL H. WILSON:
Burial: Lightsville Cemetery, Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL

vii. BABY BOY KRAMER, b. May 06, 1915, Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL; d. May 10, 1915, Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL.

More About BABY BOY KRAMER:
Burial: North Grove Evangelical Cemetery, Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL

viii. FRED EVAN CRAMER, b. January 18, 1918, Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL; d. December 28, 1993, Melbourne Beach, Brevard Co., FL; m. (1) ERMA I. PAINTER, August 16, 1941, Leaf River, Ogle Co., IL; b. January 09, 1918, Stronghurst, Henderson Co., IL (appears in 1940 Leaf River, Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL census); d. February 13, 2004, Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL; m. (2) PEARL MYRTLE GUFFEY, December 23, 1967, Rockford, Winnebago Co., IL; b. September 14, 1920, Piney Woods, KY; d. August 08, 2002, Ocala, Marion Co., FL.

Notes for FRED EVAN CRAMER:
OBITUARY

Fred E. Cramer, 75, former Leaf River resident, died Tuesday, December 28, 1993, at his home in Melbourne, FL. Born January 18, 1918 in Leaf River, son of Louis and Jane Hoverland Kramer. Married Pearl M. Porter in Rockford, December 23, 1967. Farmed in Egan, IL area many years. Also employed by Sundstrand Corp., Rockford, before retiring. Moved to Florida in 1983. Former member of Leaf River United Methodist Church, attended Melbourne United Methodist Church in Florida. Survivors include his wife, Pearl; two sons, Evan (Raina) Cramer, Algonquin, and Earl (Michelle) Cramer, Prairie Du Sac, WI; daughter, Linda (Robert) Newcomer, Leaf River; three sisters, Helen Reber, Byron, and Dorothy Stine and Nellie Mae (Paul) Wilson, all of Rockford; stepdaughters, Jane McCammond of Tampa, FL and Joan (Denny) Frisk, London, KY; stepsons, James (Deanne) Porter, Tucson, AZ, Emmett (Nancy) Porter, Jerry (Artie) Porter and Jeryl (Debbie) Porter, all of Gainesville, FL; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Services at 1:30 p.m., Friday December 31 in Farrell-Holland Funeral Home, 506 W. Merchant St., Byron, with the Rev. Carlton Easley, pastor of North Grove Christian Church, Egan, officating. Burial in Lightsville Cemetery, Leaf River. Visitation 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Memorial is being established.

More About FRED EVAN CRAMER:
Burial: Lightsville Cemetery, Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL

Notes for ERMA I. PAINTER:
OBITUARY

Erma I. Cramer, 86, formerly of Leaf River, died Friday, February 13, 2004 in Rosewood Care Center, Rockford, where she had resided for the past two years. Erma was born January 9, 1918 near Stronghurst, the first daughter of Charles and Elizabeth Corzatt Painter. She was a graduate of North School, Terre Haute Community High School, Class of 1935, and Western Illinois University, Class of 1939. Erma married Fred E. Cramer in Leaf River in 1941; they divorced in 1967. She taught in area schools, farmed near Leaf River and worked in the health care field in Rockford. She was a member of Leaf River United Methodist Church and Ogle-Lee Retired Teachers Association. The creative side of her life was her flowers and poetry. She is survived by daughter, Linda (Robert) Newcomer of Leaf River; sons Earl F. (Michelle) Cramer of Prairie Du Sac, WI; and Evan C. (Dominga) Cramer of Los Farallones, Dominican Republic; eight grandchildren, a step-grandchild, six great-grandchildren, three step-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Merna Painter Johnson and Analu Painter Jones.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 16, in Leaf River United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Kent Svendsen, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Lightsville Cemetery. Visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, February 15, in Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home, 506 W. Merchant St., Byron. A memorial fund has been established to Leaf River United Methodist Church.

More About ERMA I. PAINTER:
Burial: Lightsville Cemetery, Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL

More About PEARL MYRTLE GUFFEY:
Burial: Lightsville Cemetery, Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL

ix. HOWARD EARL "JIM" CRAMER, b. July 13, 1922, Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL; d. December 19, 2018, Mt. Morris, Ogle Co., IL; m. HELEN MAE SCHELLING, April 06, 1945, Leaf River, Ogle Co., IL; b. May 10, 1925, Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL; d. December 08, 2020, Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL.

Notes for HOWARD EARL "JIM" CRAMER:
From the Bicentennial History of Ogle County, 1976: Listed under Bicentennial Farms was Howard and Helen Cramer, Egan (Leaf River). Farm was originally purchased for $1.25 per acre.

Howard "Jim" Cramer, age 96, passed away at Pinecrest Nursing Home. He was born on July 13, 1922 to Louis and Jennie (Hoverland) Cramer and raised on the Centennial Farm where he lived for all of his life. He married Helen Schelling on April 6, 1945 and they farmed together for 73 years. They sold Grade A mild to Dean's Milk Co. in Rockford and raised hogs. They also raised laying hens and sold hatching eggs. The Cramer family attended Egan grade school and Leaf River High School which is where he graduated from. Jim enjoyed bowling and go kart racing. He always wanted to be the best. He also enjoyed Farmall tractors. He is preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers and 4 sisters. He is survived by his loving wife, Helen; brother-in-law, Don Schelling; numerous nephews and one niece. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday December 26, 2018 at the Farrell Holland Gale Funeral Home in Byron. There is no visitation. Burial will be held at Lightsville Cemetery in Leaf River.

More About HOWARD EARL "JIM" CRAMER:
Burial: Lightsville Cemetery, Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL

Notes for HELEN MAE SCHELLING:
Helen M. Cramer passed away on Tuesday, December 8, 2020. She was born on the home place, Leaf River Township on may 10, 1925 to Earl and Mary Garkey Schelling. Later a brother, Donald came along.

Don has always been very special in her life. She graduated from Leaf River High School in 1943. Worked at Burgess Battery Factory in Forreston for awhile and then National Life in Rockford.

She married Howard "Jim" Cramer on April 6, 1945. From there she was a farm helper, which she loved.

She and Don were always close, talking most every day of her life. Some of his reflections are she was always a tom boy who loved being around and taking care of the animals. She had chickens to the end, and always had a dog or two. Even having two kittens in their basement with out Jim knowing.

Helen and Jim milked cows for many years and were grain farmers. The two of them working together. They enjoyed fun together too; bowling and camping, and always at the Farm Progress Show.

Helen also had a sense of humor with many pranks over the years.

Helen and Jim had no children but were very fond of neighboring children. The last few years Sydni Badertscher was a favorite and made both Helen and Jim laugh. They were always a friend with their neighbors and loved by them. Helen liked to talk "farming" with neighbor farmers but always asked what you were doing up until the end.

She is predeceased by her husband, Jim and her parents. She is survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Helen was able to spend her last days at home with the help of Serenity Hospice. Memorials are established for them or the Leaf River Fire Department.

A special thank you to Julie Wright for many years of daily care and love.

More About HELEN MAE SCHELLING:
Burial: Lightsville Cemetery, Leaf River Twp., Ogle Co., IL

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