Gary J. Cram

Gary J. Cram, 69, formerly of La Crosse, lovingly passed away with his loved ones beside him at his daughter Michelle’s home in Rhode Island on October 20, 2015.

He was born in La Crosse on October 7, 1946, to James Vilas Cram and Virginia (Shumway) Oliver. He was raised in Galesville, Wis., where he attended school and graduated from Galesville High School. During his adult life, Gary lived in Tomah as well as La Crosse. Gary served honorably in the U.S. Army. He was a painter among many other things.

Gary is survived by his daughter, Michelle (Cram) Caravelli; daughter, Mendy (Cram) Franzini; his five grand-daughters: Brittany, Taylor, Gina, Jordyn and Madeline; one grand-son, Louie; and his sister, Carla (Cram) Knepper. He was preceded in death by both of his parents and younger sister, Nyla Jane (Cram) Nightengale.

Gary was an inspiration to us all with his outstanding love that emanated brightly towards anyone he came in contact with. Always passing out candies to those he felt needed a smile.

Gary mentored those with substance abuse issues for 26 years and held strong faith in both his Catholicism and his Ojibwa beliefs. He was very artistic in many different areas: drawing, painting, photography, dance and poetry. He had written over 200 beautiful, heartfelt poems. His smile was contagious.

The family wishes to extend a special thanks to the Home & Hospice Care of Rhode Island for all of their wonderful support. Special thanks to his nurse, Katie, and also to Jean-Marie, Joanie, Pastor Larry and his friend, Bob. We would also like to thank the Boston V.A. Oncology nurse, Mary, and Dr. Hankins for all of dad’s excellent care.

A service in celebration of Gary’s life will be held at 11:00 A.M., Friday, November 13th, at Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services, 200 West Ave. So., La Crosse. Entombment, with military honors, will follow in the Oak Grove Garden Mausoleum. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made online in his honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at: https://www.stjude.org/ or by phone at: 800-805-5856