Bill Louis Cramer

Bill Louis Cramer passed away and entered into God’s Kingdom. He was born in Los Angeles, California to Sheldon and Mildred Cramer. As the son of a Naval Officer, Bill moved and grew up in many places throughout the country. Bill graduated from Andrew P Hill High School, where he competed on the track team and earned his Eagle Scout Award. He then attended Humboldt State. During high school, he met the love of his life, Bernadette Staiti. They married in December 1963 in San Jose. The couple moved to Pioneer, CA in 1974, making their home in Amador County for the past 50 years.

Bill joined the US Forest Service as a Hot Shot Firefighter and Trail Maintainer. In 1986, Bill formed Sierra Recreation Managers to become the first campground concessionaire to operate campgrounds on Highway 88, including Pipi Valley, Silver Lake, Kirkwood, Caples Lake and Woods Lake. He expanded his company to include campgrounds on Highways 50, 80, 4 and 20. The love of the mountains and mother nature was his passion. You would often find him dressed up as Smokey the Bear promoting fire safety. Bill was an active member of his community in Amador County. He was a founding member of Upcountry 88 Lions. He helped form Upcountry Little League. He was also a member of Upcountry Rotary, the 88 Spur Riders Snowmobile Club, Amador High School Booster Club, and Argonaut High School sports supporter. And of course, his favorite roll was as Santa Claus for the children in our community at local schools, churches, and the Pine Grove Fire Department every year. His family was his pride and joy. You would find Bill supporting his children and grandchildren at many of their sporting events, scouting projects, horse shows, rodeos, FFA, and dance recitals. He was known to so many in the community as “Grandpa Cramer” – all of whom he loved and treated like family.

Bill is survived by his wife of 60 years, Bernadette Cramer; his sister Marge Cassesi and brother Paul and Twyla Cramer; his children Jeff and Lisa Cramer, and Angela Cramer; his grandchildren Austin and Ana Cramer, Lexi and Taylor Smith, Harrison and Autumn Sanders, Adison and Emma Cramer; his great-grandchildren Taygan and Zayden Smith, Lila Cramer and, expected any day, Andersen Cramer. He loved and adored his extended family as well, including all his nieces and nephews.

He lived a full life and touched the lives of so many. We will keep his love and memories in our hearts forever. The Cramer family would like to send their deepest appreciation to Amador Home Health, Dr. Patterson and Fitzpatrick Therapy. A special thank you to Alyssa Cabri, Marisa, Mary, Pasquale Thomas, Shellie, Caela White, Rich Kidman, and so many other amazing helpful Angels.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. on October 6, 2024 at the American Legion Hall in Jackson.