Dr. Ralph A. Cram

Dr. Ralph Cram [November 6, 1930-January 31, 2022] was a man with a big heart who profoundly believed in, “Doing unto others as you would have them do unto you”. He lived his life with vigor and generously shared his talents and passions with others. A certified family physician, he was also a skilled surgeon and obstetrician, a well-travelled explorer, a talented woodworker and builder, a savvy sailor of lakes and seas, and a life-long learner.

Born in Seattle, Washington, Dr. Cram was the first and only child of Doris (Archibald) and Ralph Laventure Cram. His father, who was Boeing’s chief aerodynamicist, died in a plane crash when Dr. Cram was eight. His mother subsequently married Roy Evans, and together the family lived in Florida, California, Iowa, Michigan, and Illinois. It was Mr. Evans who passed on to Dr. Cram his woodworking and carpentry skills.

In 1951, Dr. Cram graduated from Augustana College in Rockford, Illinois with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and went on to medical school at the University of Michigan. While at U of M, he went to a square dance where he met a nursing student, Mary Ellen Nielsen, who turned out to be the love of his life. They were married in 1953 in Brown City, Michigan.

In 1955, Dr. Cram received his MD from the University of Michigan. After interning in Traverse City, Dr. Cram served in the US Army Medical Corps from 1956-1958 in San Antonio, Texas; Fort Ord, California; and Stuttgart, Germany. While in the army he delivered more than 500 babies. It was this experience that inspired his career-long dedication to obstetrics.

Looking for a place to put down roots, Dr. and Mrs. Cram settled in Albion, Michigan in 1958. There, starting with Mary as his first nurse, he practiced medicine full-time until 1999 and then part-time until 2012. During this time, he delivered another 2,500+ babies, so in total, he welcomed more than 3,000 human beings into this world.

Dr. Cram was named the 1993 Michigan Family Physician of the Year. He served 35 years as the Deputy Medical Examiner of Calhoun County and held leadership positions in many medical societies and associations. Dr. Cram was an active staff member of Sheldon Hospital, Albion Community Hospital and Trillium Hospital where he was twice Chief of Hospital Staff. He also worked with Oaklawn Hospital for 10 years. In recognition of the family’s commitment to health care for Albion, the Albion Health Care Center in Stoffer Plaza was named the "Ralph and Mary Cram Medical Center."

Dr. Cram’s contributions to his community included actively participating in the Albion Exchange Club, Rotary Club, American Legion, Forks Senior Center and Community Foundation. In 1994, -he was named Greater Albion Chamber of Commerce Professional of the Year and, in 2007, he was honored to be Grand Marshall of the Festival of Forks. He also supported Mary Cram’s civic activities, which included renovation of Albion’s 19th-century train depot, an addition to the town library and efforts to save the brick paving in Albion’s downtown.

For over 60 years, Dr. Cram was a member of Salem United Church of Christ, in Albion, serving as its secretary, treasurer and president. One of his favorite traditions was attending the Christmas Eve service there with family.

Dr. Cram loved sailing, windsurfing and kayaking and shared his passion for water sports with his children and grandchildren. He went on sailing adventures in many different parts of the world, and, in his later years, he sailed on the Great Lakes in the boat named for his wife, “The Mary Ellen.” When in his mid-eighties, he built a sailboat, “La Gordita,” with his friend Ron Ogilbee. He crossed the Atlantic Ocean several times on the RMS Queen Elizabeth 2 and the RMS Queen Mary 2 and enjoyed river cruises in Russia and Europe.

In addition, Doctor Cram was an avid deer hunter. For over 30 years, he looked forward to spending time at the beginning of the season with his deer hunting buddies at Bob Geyer’s cabin.

A life-long learner who loved to challenge himself, Dr. Cram began learning Spanish and travelled multiple times to Mexico where he took lessons and lived with local residents to improve his language skills. He took piano lessons well into his eighties and practiced every day until his eyesight failed him. He loved classical music, jazz, Mexican mariachi, Dixieland bands and Christmas carols. He was quite a whistler and could whistle tunes that brought joy to his family and friends. At 89, he began recorder lessons.

Throughout his life, Dr. Cram built things. While in medical school, he and Mary built a small house in Ann Arbor. When they moved to Albion, the couple renovated an 1872 farmhouse. They also renovated a cottage and home on Duck Lake. In Albion, they were involved in the construction of two medical office buildings, hospital facilities, and the development of a 13-lot subdivision. In addition to the sailboat he built with Ron, he built a polished wood kayak that he used to cruise around on Duck Lake, as well as an organ.

Together Dr. Ralph and Mary built their legacy in Albion, travelled the world and raised a loving family. Mrs. Cram passed away in 2012 after 59 years of marriage. Dr. Cram peacefully transitioned from this earthly home on January 31, 2022, surrounded by his children. He was 91 years old.

Surviving family members include: daughters Virginia Cram-Martos (Walter) of Barcelona, Spain; Katherine Reeves (Tom) of Albion, Michigan; son Ralph Cram (Carolyn) of Northbrook, Illinois; grandchildren Margaux Dever (Jason), Kelley Lazo (Noel), Stephen Reeves (Jennifer), Shawn Reeves, John Reeves, Alexandra Martos, Walter Martos-Cram, John Cram, Rachel Cram; and great-grandchildren Evangeline Lazo, Miriam Reeves, and Finbar Dever, as well as his sister-in-law, Elfrieda Nielsen of Croswell, Michigan.

A memorial service will be held at Salem United Church of Christ on May 28th, 2022. Visitation will be from 12:30 – 1:30 with a service beginning at 1:30. A light meal will be served afterwards. Memorial contributions in Dr. Cram’s memory can be made to: Albion Community Foundation (Train Depot fund), 1002 N. Eaton St Albion, MI, 49224; Salem United Church of Christ, 113 W. Pine St. Albion, MI; and Albion District Library, 501 S. Superior St. Albion, MI 49224. To leave notes with your memories and condolences and sign the online guestbook, please visit www.kevintiddfuneralhome.com.