John Havrum Cram passed away on January 19, 2025, in Rapid City, SD. He was born on July 4, 1945, to Albert and Esther Havrum Cram in Rapid City, SD. John’s older sister, Mary, and they resided outside of Castlerock, SD. When Mary and John entered school, the family moved to Newell, SD. John graduated from Newell High School in 1963.
After briefly traveling the country with the carnival, John joined the Army and served from 1964 to 1967 as a satellite technician in Germany. He was honorably discharged with a Good Conduct Medal and a National Defense Service Medal. He returned to South Dakota and spent the rest of his life in the Black Hills region.
In 1968, John married Barbara Cox, and two children were born from this marriage, Darbi and Philip. The marriage ended in divorce in 1981.
John graduated from Black Hills State College in 1971. Most of his career was spent as a sales representative for music and books. John was able to retire early and live his dream on a small plot of land in Tilford, SD, where he enjoyed gardening, brewing beer, and caring for his chickens.
John is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Mary Hengstler. He is survived by his children, Darbi (Garet) Hunt and Philip Cram; his grandchildren, Jerika Hunt and Gavin Hunt; and nephew, Lawerence Hengstler.
Graveside services will be held on Friday, January 24, 2025, 12:30 pm at the Black Hills National Cemetery.
Condolences for the family may be sent to www.kinkadefunerals.com.
