Wallace A. "Soupy" CRAMER

CRAMER, CHRISTOPHER, ROHN

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/28/2007 at 13:47:19

November 23, 2004

Wallace "Soupy" Cramer, 89, died on Monday, November 15, 2004, at the Belmond Medical Center. Funeral services were held on Friday, November 19, at the St. John Lutheran Church in Belmond, with Rev. Lowell Halvorson officiating. Interment was in the Belmond Cemetery, with military honors. Organist was Carol Severson and soloist was Marilyn Janssen. Ushers were Robert Kalkwarf and Robert Wenzel. Casket bearers were firemen, Wayne Bruggeman, Maynard Holmgaard, Frank Quigley, Dean Adcock, Rich Kling and Daren Mennenga.

Wallace A. was born on January 13, 1915 in Belmond, the son of Charles and Pauline (Christopher) Cramer. He was baptized in the Belmond Methodist Church and graduated from the Belmond High School in 1933. He was employed by Petersen's Meat Market when he met his companion of more than 66 years, Marion L. Rohn. Marion worked at Petersen's Cafe across from the market. They were married at Zion Lutheran on September 19, 1937. They opened Soupy's Shell Service and Cafe on Highway 69. Marion was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis soon after their marriage and was physically disabled the rest of her life. Soupy cared for her every need. He also looked after his sister, Lucille Cramer, prior to her move to the Belmond Health Care Center. In 1941, he began with the U.S. Postal Service. He served for three years with the U.S. Army and was in Africa and Italy during World War II. He received five Overseas Service Bars, European-Eastern Ribbon with two Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal, and World War II Victory Medal. He earned the rank of sergeant. He resumed his 20-year job as city mail carrier, covering 18 miles per day, and was then a rural carrier for 15 years, retiring in 1984. Soupy was a generous and faithful man. He had many friends and enjoyed coffee times with them. He was very meticulous. As a young man, Soupy was active in Boy Scouts, and as an adult he continued as a scoutmaster. He was an active member of the St. John Lutheran Church and a member of the VFW. Soupy loved old-time music, especially the 1940's era. Soupy and Marion had made their home at the Bel Aire Condos since October 1983 and enjoyed activities at the Leinbach Center. They collected Hummel figurines.

Preceding him in death was his wife this past January. Survivors are his sister, Lucille of Belmond; and nieces and nephews with whom Soupy and Marion enjoyed spending time.

©Belmond Independent 2004