Richard James Cramer “Rikk”
May 28, 1952 – June 28, 2022
Richard James Cramer (better known as Rikk), finished his battle with ALS and left this world to be with his Heavenly Father, Tuesday June 28th, at his home in Gilbert, AZ, surrounded by his wife and children, as he had requested. Rikk was 70 years old and was a gentle, soft spoken kind soul. An amazing husband, dad, Granddad, Great-Grandpa, brother, and friend.
He worked 35 years in the automotive industry and retried as an ASE Senior and specialized technician. He was well respected and known throughout the valley for his knowledge and integrity in his field.
His lifelong love and passion were his music. He loved to sing and play guitar and had done so since a young age. Rikk had sang and played guitar in bands as a youth and for his family, friends, and neighbors as an adult. He loved doing block parties, backyard gatherings, open mic events, and of course camping adventures. His fondest memories were on his back patio singing to and with his wife Jo. He would express his love and commitment through music.
Later in life, Rikk gave his life to the Lord. His direction changed and he loved singing praise and worship and would use this tool to spread the word of God and God’s love for His children. Rikk would sing Praise and worship in parks, in court yards while waiting for family to get done with appointments, or wherever he felt inclined. Rikk was active in his home church, Central Christian Church of Gilbert, and served as a member of the baptism ministry. He was also very active in Tres Dias of Central Arizona and would serve often for this ministry. This strong group of believers became his second family and his love for this ministry and what it stood for was very important to him and his wife.
Rikk and family left McDonald, Ohio, in 1981 to Mesa, AZ. Rikk was married to his loving wife, of 45 ½ years, Jo L. Cramer. Sons, Bishop (Ri) of Elkhart IN- Justin (Cynthia) of Milwaukee WI- Daughter Kaisha (Arthur Davis) of San Tan Valley, AZ- adopted son/grandson, Sedrikk James Cramer and adopted daughter/granddaughter, Arissa (Storm)Cramer. Grandchildren, Casi, Kyle (Allissa), Xeion, Brandon (Sara), Yerikk, Alex, Austin (Wynter), Yadder, Zohadd, Arrington, and Matteo. And seven great-grandchildren. And his emotional support dog, Paris.
Rikk was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Dorothy Cramer formally of Vienna, Ohio. Rikk has three siblings, Michael Cramer (Phyllis) Double Springs, Al., Amy Mackey (William) Girard, Ohio, Thomas Cramer (Dianna) Vail, Arizona, and Brother-in-Law, Duane Jensen, Baldwin Park Calif.
PLEASE JOIN US AS WE CELEBRATE RIKK’S LIFE:
Thursday September 8th 3:00
Central Christian Church
22505 E. Ocotillo Rd, Queen Creek, AZ 85142
Friends and family are welcomed back to the Cramer home to share in food and fellowship after the celebration.
Richard’s (Rikk’s) ashes will be placed in the National Military Cemetery of Arizona with Full Military Honors in a private family ceremony. Sept 9th, 2022.
Memorial contribution in Rikk’s honor can be made to The ALS Association Arizona Chapter (360 E. Coronado Rd, Suite 140, Phoenix, AZ 85004), online at www.alsaz.org or by calling the office at 602-297-3800. Help to find a cure for this terrible disease.
Photos
