Joanne Claudine Cramberg, 93, of Dallas City, Ill. on Wednesday, June 26, 2024. She was born on Sept. 19, 1930, to Claude and Erma Bell in Powellton, Ill. Joanne attended school in Colusa, Ill. and was a 1948 graduate of Colusa High School. Following her graduation, she started her 50 year career at Sheaffer Pen Company in Fort Madison.
When Joanne was 18, she met her lifelong love Charles “Gene” Cramberg. He proposed to her via a letter he sent while stationed in Camp Lejeune during his years of service with the Navy. They were wed on July 10, 1949, and remained married until his passing on June 30, 2014. They shared 64 wonderful years together, had 3 amazing children (Kenneth, Kathy, and Kevin), 5 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, lots of dachshunds, and many adventures all over the USA. Joanne was generous, loyal, brave, and was fiercly patriotic. She was strong willed, stubborn, and had a wonderful sense of humor. She had many hobbies including knitting/crocheting, puzzles, antiques, golfing, watching sports, bird watching, and playing euchre with family and friends. In 2013 she was named “the bag lady” after crocheting used plastic newspaper bags into rugs. Joanne was inducted into the Burlington WBA bowling hall of fame in 2011 and holds a national champion title in women’s archery. Joanne had much to be proud of in her 93 years, but she was most proud of her family and LOVED watching her children and grandchildren play sports; especially, basketball.
Joanne was proceeded in death by her husband, Gene; parents, Claude and Erma Bell; two brothers: Max and Carl Bell, and one sister: Mary (Bill) Thompson. Joanne is survived by her three children: Kenneth (A.J.) Cramberg of Carman IL, Kathy Pindell, and Kevin Cramberg, both of Dallas City, IL; 5 grandchildren: Tish (Jerry) Peterson of Gilbert, AZ, Jason (Steffany) Pindell of Dallas City, Ill., Amie (Scott) Rosson of Nauvoo, IL, Randi Jo (Mark) Calvin of Morning Sun, and Jessica (Collin) Gehringer of Mediapolis; 13 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren. Two sister In-laws: Jane Bell and Carol Schneider; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Cremation has been entrusted to Banks & Beals Funeral Home. Visitation will be held Friday, July 12 at 2:30 p.m. at Banks & Beals in Dallas City, Ill. followed by a graveside service at 3:30 p.m. at Harris Cemetery, Dallas City. A celebration of life will be held at the Fellowship Hall at Grace Bible Church in Dallas City following the graveside service.
Please dress in your casual patriotic attire in remembrance of Joanne. A memorial fund has been established for Harris Cemetery.