Dawne M. Cramer

Dawne Cramer was born July 30, 1953 in Green Bay to Gloria Cramer and the late Ralph Cramer. She died peacefully at home on November 28, 2017 surrounded by family and friends.

After graduating from Green Bay Southwest High School, she attended the University of LaCrosse graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1975.

Dawne was employed by the City of Green Bay throughout her entire life. During her high school years, she worked numerous recreation programs and umpired youth leagues. In the summer of her college years, she worked as a "parkee" and was honored with the James Engel Leadership Award. In 1977, she was hired as a Recreation Supervisor, where she was responsible for recreation programs, leagues and pools. Dawne was a mentor to many children who visited the parks and often gave them her time, money and resources to help out children in need. Under her leadership, Dawne initiated a tradition for each "parkee" to make a significant difference in a child's life within our community.

In 1994, Dawne became Superintendent of Recreation, where she continued to implement program opportunities and develop park facilities. In March of 2007, Dawne was very honored when she was presented with the Mayor's Community Impact Award Employee of the Year. In 2011, she was promoted to the Director of Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department and held the position until her death. Since then, she had been very involved in all aspects of the department: Parks, Bay Beach, Wild Life Sanctuary, Recreation Pools, Forestry and Triangle Hill Recreational Park, as well as many building projects and park developments. One of her most recent accomplishments was the development of the Friends of Bay Beach Organization. Due to her initiative and partnership, they brought the Zippin Pippin to Green Bay. Under her leadership along with the support of the Friends of Bay Beach, the Amusement Park has seen unprecedented growth with the additional new rides including: Sea Dragon, Bay Beast, Rockin' Tug, Falling Star and the west-end Train. Other initiatives, under her direction that remain in the planning stages, are bringing the beach back to Bay Beach and a mega addition of the Big Wheel.

Dawne had a great passion for her job and was deeply committed to serving the Greater Green Bay community with pride. Working for the Green Bay Parks Department wasn't just a job, but a passion and a way of life; she was truly grateful for that opportunity.

Dawne's love and dedication to family and friends was most important to her. Some of her greatest moments were spent with her family especially her nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. When she wasn't "on the job" and not with her family, she enjoyed reading, working in the yard and watching old classic westerns. Of course, Dawne was an avid Green Bay Packer fan and was a huge fan of Brett Favre and Bart Starr.

Dawne is survived by her mother, Gloria Cramer and family, Sherry Simon, Cindy (Brad) Paulson, David (Carol) Cramer, Terry (Shelly) Cramer, Linda (Dan Kirby) Cramer , Jackie (Dan) Verheyen, and Kevin (Lorri) Cramer. She is further survived by nieces and nephews, Tricia (Jesse), Mandie (Justin), Brandon (Amanda), Paul (Leah), Shawn, Crystal, Stephanie, Kelly (Eric), Melissa (Eddie), John and Hunter. Also, great nieces and nephews are Paige, Allison, Xander, Nora, Carson, David, Davion and Sam.

She was preceded in death by her father, Ralph D. Cramer.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2017 from 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM at Bay Beach Amusement Park Pavilion. A service celebrating Dawne's life will follow at 3:00 PM. Interment will be private. Newcomer Cremations Funerals & Receptions have been entrusted with arrangements.

With much gratitude, the family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Green Bay Oncology Staff and Doctors Ryan, Blank and Jaslowski and Nicole Spaeth, as well as St. Vincent 9th floor nursing staff and Unity Hospice. Dawne was also extremely appreciative for the unending support and services of Tori Kluess. Furthermore, our appreciation is extended to Mayor Jim Schmitt and his wife Dona, and the entire Green Bay Park and Recreation staff for all their help, support and encouragement throughout her cancer journey which lasted for more than three years. Also, we know that Dawne would like to thank family members and all of her friends for their extraordinary care, love and support.

In lieu of flowers or other expressions of sympathy, please consider making a memorial donation to the Bay Beach Amusement Park in Dawne's name.

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