Helen Cramer

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.