Mr. Merle Edward Cram, 73, of Hesperia, passed away Sunday, October 30, 2022 in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loved ones.  He was born October 25, 1949, in Boise, Idaho, the son of Marlin and Ellen (Burmeister) Cram.

Merle married Faith A. Burmeister, November 5, 1993.  Merle was a member of the United States Army for over ten years.  He worked in a number of occupations and retired from Kurdziel Iron.  Merle loved woodworking, working in the yard, enjoyed NASCAR, hunting, fishing and Pasta.

Merle is survived by: his wife, Faith; children, Darrell Cram, Scott (Jessica) Cram, Aaron (Andrea) Cram, Melissa (Ralph) Bohanon, Jacob (Teryan Dutcher) Cram, Hope (Rick Carpenter) Burmeister, Patricia (Jose) Cruz, Lela (Maggie) Weger, Candie (Daniel Applegate) Garvey, Travis (Amanda) Weger, Shayne Smith, Oscar (Skylar Coppler) Smith; 31 grand children; several great-grandchildren;  several nieces and nephews; twin sister, Mary (Dan Akenhead) Bruskas; sister-in-law, Denice Cram; brother-in-law, Jerry Eilers; family from Faith's side, Doyle (Deanna) Burmeister, Diana Robinson, Sharita (Gary) Prowant, Mardean (Mike) Hindman, Lonnie (Laura)DeNio, Patricia (Ed Berry) Hammer, Kevin (Nancy) DeNio, Randy (Pauline) DeNio, Julie DeNio.

Merle was preceded in death by: his parents; brother, Robert Cram; sisters, Sue Larson and Bev Eilers; brothers-in-law, Shayne Burmeister, Gerardo Benavides, Richard (Dick) DeNio Jr.; infant grandsons, George and Gage Meadows; mother and father-in-law; former wives, Karen (Peeraer) Mead and Joann Cram.

Memorial services will be conducted at 11:30 am, Thursday, November 3, 2022, at New Hope Community Church, 244 S. 79th Avenue, Shelby, Michigan 49455, with Pastor Jim DeZeeuw officiating, with a luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the family to help cover funeral expenses.

The Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is in charge of arrangements.

www.harrisfhome.com