Lydia Cramer

Lydia Ella Cramer, age 99, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at Riverside Assisted Living in Neillsville, WI. Lydia was born April 23, 1926, to Alfred and Ida (Radewahn) Spaete in Neillsville. As a little girl, she traveled to Germany where her father pursued an attractive job offer. Fortunately, he could foresee potential problems there and the family returned to the United States, preferring freedom in a depression to prosperity under the Nazis. Lydia graduated from Granton High School in 1943. She then attended Stevens Point Teachers College, majoring in Home Economics, for 2 years. Her time there was cut short due to circumstances following World War II. The large extended family in Germany were forced to flee their homes. Her parents spent all their resources sending care packages to keep their family members in Germany from starving. Two million Germans starved to death at this time. It was during this time Lydia was employed at Hardware Mutual, now Sentry Insurance. Her next job was as a secretary at Kurt Marg Fur Foods. It was here she met Al Cramer, the love of her life.

Al was a horse trader and took a fancy to Lydia when he brought his horses to Margs. Their first date was to a horse auction. They were married in April of 1961. They then lived on a horse ranch in the Town of Sherwood. Lydia cared for up to 120 saddle horses but never cared to ride them. Al and Lydia enjoyed the company of many horse-loving friends. They sponsored an annual fall trail ride for over 100 riders. Al passed away in 2004.

Lydia was gifted with a green thumb and enjoyed her expansive flower gardens. She not only knew the common names of plants but many of the Latin names as well. She developed an interest in lilies, worked at hybridizing them and acquired the reputation of the "Lily Lady". She belonged to the Lily Society and developed a large network of like-minded friends throughout Wisconsin, with whom she enjoyed many visits.

Lydia enjoyed cooking and had gourmet taste buds. She lived independently in her Sherwood home until the last few months, thanks to her many good friends and neighbors. Her two beloved cats were her company during the past several years. Lydia was a pleasure to be with. Her infectious laugh, sense of humor and wonderful outlook on life was always refreshing.

Lydia loved to read and when her eyesight failed, she became addicted to Talking Books for the Blind. They were her ever present source for information and entertainment.

Lydia is survived by her two brothers, Paul and Alvin, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Al, and sister, Elsie.

A private ceremony will be held on Monday, November 24, 2025, at Gesche Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will be held on what would have been Lydia's 100th birthday: April 23, 2026, Chili Corners at 11 AM.

Thanks to Riverside Assisted Living and Compassus Hospice for filling Lydia's final days with comfort and kindness.

Memorial gifts will be donated to the Clark County Humane Society and Granton First Responders.

Rest in peace, dear Lydia. Memories of you will always be held close to our hearts.

Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.

The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Lydia's family with funeral arrangements.