Donald Ray "Don" Cramer

November 28, 1937- September 26, 2025

Donald "Don" Ray Cramer, 87, passed away on September 26, 2025. A visitation will be held at Iles Westover Chapel on Thursday, October 2, 2025 from 5:00-7:00 PM. A Funeral Service will be held at Iles Westover Chapel on Friday, October 3, 2025 beginning at 1:00 pm. A reception will follow the service. Interment will be at Glendale Cemetery.

Donald Ray Cramer was born November 28, 1937 in Neosho, Missouri. The youngest of 7 children to Myrtle and Jack (Pop). Don was a star football half back that is long remembered in his hometown. He moved to Iowa in 1955 to work with his oldest brother, Delmer, who had formed a partnership in the bridge building business and continued until his retirement in 2003. Don married and had 2 children, Kathy Rae and Michael Chuck, settling in Indianola. Two other brothers, Dale and George, graduated from college and joined the business. The 4 Cramers built a Partnership called Des Moines Bridge. In 1963 Cramer Brother's, Inc. and Cramer Farms, Inc were formed. In case the bridge building failed the brothers shrewdly invested in farm ground. God blessed them in both their endeavors.

Don married Janine Stonebraker in 1968. They settled in Des Moines to raise his children. Don was a founder of what now is Cramer and Associates employing over 150 people.The company continues thanks to the competent management of the younger generation. Don could figure out how to get around any obstacle. He once built a flood control/sewer project by devising a way to go underneath the Des Moines River.

Don was generous and helped many people change their lives around. He believed in giving people a second chance. Don's hobby was working. He would help anyone who asked him to. He learned to fly a plane, fished, loved hunting Elk in Montana and enjoyed spending time with family. After retirement he enjoyed being a snowbird in Mesa, AZ and time spent in his condo on Clear Lake. Sometimes you could find him driving around in his vintage red 1956 T-Bird and taking it to car shows and parades. Don loved keeping up his 40 acre home in Waukee, living there since 1979.

Don is survived by his daughter Kathy (Craig LaLone) Cramer of Fircrest, WA; son, Michael (Pauline) Cramer of Indianola; three grandsons, Justin (Hannah) LaLone, Kyle (Christina) Cramer and Ray (Heather) Cramer, five great granddaughters, Elli, Paisley, Oaklee, Sylvie, Colette; one great grandson, Kasey; two step-great-grandsons, Caden, Austin; brother, Dr. Dallas (Dee) Cramer of Stockton, MO; and many nieces and nephews.

Don is preceded in death by his wife of over 56 years Janine Cramer, his parents; three brothers, Delmer, Dale, and George; and two sisters, Emma Jean and Mary.

The family would like to give a special thanks to their friend and caregiver for her many years of dedication to Janine and Don, Cheryl Tonelli

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Waukee Community Church or the Blessman Ministry.

Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com.

Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel

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