William Michael Cramer OBITUARY

William Michael Cramer OBITUARY

William Michael Cramer (“Mike”) was born in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1944 and passed away on May 2, 2026, at Highland Park Hospital in Highland Park, Illinois.

After graduating from Miami University, where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta, Mike began his career at RR Donnelley in Print Operations. He later transitioned to Donnelley’s in-house advertising agency, Mobium Design, where he served as an Operations Executive. He retired after 34 years with the company.

Mike’s greatest joy in life was his family and wide circle of friends. He cherished time spent at the family’s rustic home in Galena, Illinois, fishing from the pontoon boat, enjoying sunsets, sharing meals, roaring fires, and relaxing with their beloved Golden Retrievers. He had a love for crosswords and word games and found his greatest happiness simply being together with family and friends in Winnetka, Galena, Canada or Lake Bluff.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother James, his sister Liz, his brother Tom, and his daughter-in-law Katie, who is deeply missed.

Mike’s memory lives on through his beloved family—his wife, Pamela; his son, Matthew; his adored grandchildren, Benjamin Dunham and Charlotte Anne; and his sister, Susan Chaney (Mitchell).

Plans are underway for a celebration of life in June 2026. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The HAP Foundation: thehapfoundation.org/donate/ (there is a spot to dedicate a gift in his memory) or mail to, The HAP Foundation, 18W140 Butterfield RD. Suite 990, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181. Info: donnellanfuneral.com or (847)675-1990.