John (Jack) Cram, 81

John (Jack) Harry Cram was born May 9, 1943, to Hiram and Pauline (Laurich) Cram in Big Bay, Mich. He passed away peacefully at age of 81 at the VA Hospital in Reno, Nev., on Jan. 15, 2025, surrounded by family.

The third of nine siblings, Jack graduated from Gravereat High School, served in the United States Navy, and then went on to diesel mechanic school. Jack married Maxine Temple, born to Earl (Pete) and Vernice (French) Temple.

They had one daughter, Wendy (Cram) Process and moved to Green Bay, Wis., where he lived for 20 years and owned and operated his own diesel repair shop, Motor Truck Repair, in DePere, Wis.

He moved to Polson, Mont., and opened and operated another diesel repair shop, Jack’s Repair, for 25 years. In 2015, due to health reasons, Jack moved to Reno, Nev., to be closer to his daughter, Wendy, son-in-law Bill, and two granddaughters, Olivia and Jordyn.

In his younger years, Jack enjoyed off-road racing in the Wisconsin racing circuit and fishing trips to Canada with his lifelong friend, Charlie Hillman. In later years, Jack enjoyed the outdoors of Montana and his many friends, fishing, motorcycle riding, and always had love and respect for all living animals.

He cherished his horse (Ezzy), dogs (Sadie and Charlie) and cat (Lucy). He was most proud of his two granddaughters and their accomplishments competing in rodeos.

Jack is preceded in death by his parents, Hiram and Pauline, sisters Fritzi (Cram) Deichlebor and Nancy (Cram) Street.

Jack is survived by his daughter, Wendy (Bill) Process and granddaughters Olivia and Jordyn Process; ex-wife Maxine Temple; siblings Hiram Cram Jr., Mary (Bert Bowers) Cram, Nora (Cram) Cardinal, Pam (Bill) Bowers, Joe (Kathy) Cram, and Joyce Cram; and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life is tentatively planned for this summer in Big Bay, Mich.