Kenneth 'Ken' Dean Cramer, 71

Kenneth "Ken" Dean Cramer, 71, died Saturday, March 5, 2011, at the John C. Lincoln Memorial Hospital following a long battle with heart disease.

He was born and raised in Colver, Pa., the son of Kenneth A. and Susanna (McGarvey) Cramer. After graduating from high school in Ebensburg, Pa., Ken joined the U.S. Air Force. In 1960, Ken was stationed at the Blacktail Radar Station where he received his training in computer technology. While Ken was in the service, he met his wife, Alice Johnson, in Kalispell.

Following his service in the U.S. Air Force, Ken accepted a position with the National Cash Register Company in Spokane. While employed with NCR, Ken attended various trade schools where he developed a talent for repairing and maintaining office equipment.

After starting a family he wanted to return to the Flathead Valley to raise his children. Ken accepted a position with O’Neil Printers. In approximately 1975, he bought the service department and later changed the name to Northwest Business Equipment. He sold the business and retired in 2002. He not only took pride in his business, but truly relished the friends he made during his time in business.

Upon retiring, he and Alice lived the snowbird life, spending his winters in Arizona and summers in Kalispell. Ken had a passion for classic cars and one of his favorites was the Chrysler 300 convertible, which he enjoyed driving in the local parades.

 He was member of Gideon’s International, and he loved the Lord. He was a member of the Bigfork Chapel where he served as a deacon for many years.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Thom Cramer; sister, Donna (Cramer) Dennison; and parents, Kenneth A. Cramer and Susanna (McGarvey) Cramer Sertway.   

Ken leaves behind his wife of 48 years, Alice (Johnson) Cramer; son, Daniel Cramer, and his wife, Kim; daughter, Annette Hanson, and her husband, Mike; grandchildren, Susanna and Megan Cramer, and Jordan Hanson; and many close friends and relatives.

Funeral services for Ken will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 19, at the Bigfork Chapel in Bigfork. Interment will follow at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery, Kalispell. Visitation for Ken will be on  from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, March 18, in the Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Chapel.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Ken's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Ken's tribute wall.