Joseph (Joe) Francis Cramer, 88, of Eureka, passed away May 6, 2026.

Joe was born February 10, 1938, he was one of 12 children born to I.F. and Dorothy Cramer. Joe lived in Eureka his whole life.

Joe graduated from Eureka High School and had worked for Hyster Company for many years as a mechanic.

Joe was always a social butterfly and enjoyed being around people. Everyone was his friend and he never knew a stranger. So, joining the E. Clampus Vitus was a natural fit for Joe. He always seemed to enjoy the shenanigans and camaraderie that came with being a part of the organization.

Joe had a love for old cars. He grew up in the era of the cruise downtown. He loved to go to the local car shows. He would tell stories of his brothers and him growing up in Eureka and the cool cars they once had. Joe even had a Ferrari in his youth.

As Joe grew older, he was known for his joyous spirit and his laughter. His laughter was contagious and you couldn’t help but laugh with him. It didn’t matter what was going on in his life, he would laugh his way through it.

He was loved by everyone who knew him, including in the trailer park where he lived and spread his sparkle everywhere. To some of the kids he was Grandpa and to all the others he was a good friend,

Many people around Eureka probably have seen him around town on his scooter, with his flags flying. He enjoyed riding to the Thursday night concerts in Old Town and the independence of being able to live and get around on his own.

Joe did it his way and his laughter will be forever missed!

Joe is survived by his children: Shawn Cramer, Desiree Ott (Colin), Melanie Larmour (Steve), and Nicole Richard (Mark); seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren, plus one more that is due any day. We would also like to mention Mary Nola Kern, his ex-wife and mother of his children, as they had rekindled a friendship over the last several years. His brother Richard Cramer (Teresa). Sisters Patricia Ennes & Mary Mahoney (Dennis).