Dado C. Cramer

Dado C. Cramer, 72, Rockford, died early Monday morning, August 15, 2011 in his home.Born February 24, 1939 in Freeport, son of Dado and Kathryn Hershbrunner Cramer.Graduated from Aquin Central Catholic High School in 1956.He served in Okinawa with the U.S. Marine Corps from 1956-1959. Retired from the Illinois State police in 1993 after 28 years. Married Carol Dunaway in Rockton in June, 1980. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police and the Belvidere American Legion.Following his retirement from the Illinois State Police he was employed by the Winnebago County Sheriffs Department from 1994 until very recently.Dado had a great sense of humor.He enjoyed spending winters in Arizona and loved being around family and friends.He always had a very special place in his heart for animals.Survived by his wife, Carol; step-sons, Bryan (Laura) Dunaway, Mesa, AZ, Phil Dunaway and Jim Dunaway both of Rockford; grandson, Nicholas Dunaway, Mesa, AZ; sisters, Judy Lasco, Carol Lee (Roy) VanDemark, Shirley Souders and Nancy (Preston) Thompson; brother, Roger Cramer all of Freeport and many nieces and nephews.Predeceased by his parents and sister, Patricia.Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Friday, August 19, 2011 in St. Rita Catholic Church with Rev. David A. Peck officiating.Visitation on Thursday from 6-8 p.m. in Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. and from 10 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. on Friday at the church.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Noahs Ark or Hospice Care of America.Express condolences or share memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.