- Date Of Birth: May 28, 1918
- Date Of Death: December 18, 2020
- State: Michigan
Joanne Viel (Jo) Cramer, born Joanne VanderVeen on May 28, 1918, died on December 18, 2020 and is now in the presence of the Lord. Jo was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Agnes Cramer; son David; sister Jennie VanderVeen; and her husband of 64 years, Ben.
After graduating from Kalamazoo Central High School, Jo graduated from Parsons Business School and spent many years as a bookkeeper for the family business, Cramer Electric Company. Although raising her four children was Jo’s primary vocation, she had many other hobbies and loves—music (especially singing), baking, cooking, sewing, and volunteering in many church, school, and community organizations.
She was active in women’s groups, Bible studies, and choir at her church, Third Reformed (now Centerpoint), where she was a lifelong member. She participated in PTA and Willing Workers for the Kalamazoo Christian Schools, was active in and served as president of the Hope College Women’s League, was a group leader for Bible Study Fellowship, served on the Chapel Guild and as a Play Lady at Bronson Hospital and also served as President of the Bronson Women’s Auxiliary.
Jo spent the last 14 years of her life at Friendship Village Kalamazoo, where she made many friends among the residents and staff. She is survived by her sister, Co (Wes) Smith; her children Sheri Haley, Rick (Cyndee) Viel, Betty Jo (Dave) Bast; eight grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.
