Clayton C. Cram, 73, Blooming Prairie

Published 12:00 am Friday, February 28, 2003

Clayton C. Cram, formerly of Blooming Prairie, died Friday evening, Feb. 21, 2003, surrounded by his family at his home in Zepherhills, Fla., following a short battle with cancer. He was 73.

A Masonic memorial service will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 6, at the Masonic Lodge in Blooming Prairie. This will be followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. at First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie. The Rev. Richard Hegal will officiate.

Clayton C. Cram was born on Sept. 25, 1929, in Albert Lea. He was the son of Alonso Cram and Esther Longshore. He graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1947. In 1948 Clayton enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served three years during the Korean conflict, after which he enlisted in the Marine Corps, where he was stationed for two years in Korea until his discharge in 1954.

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Clayton married Marlys Evenson on Sept. 26, 1950, in Norfolk, Va. They moved to Blooming Prairie in 1965 and Clayton became the owner of the Cram Agency. During their marriage, Clayton and Marlys enjoyed playing bridge and golf with their family and friends. They also traveled extensively all over the world. Shortly following their 30th wedding anniversary in 1980, Marlys passed away. In 1982 Clayton married Laurell Longueville in Blooming Prairie. Clayton and Laurell lived in the Chatfield area for several years and then made their home in Zepherhills, Fla. Clayton spent his entire life in the insurance industry. He was also a member of First Lutheran Church and was president of the congregation in 1969. Clayton was a life long member of the American Legion and also the VFW. He was a Mason of Prairie Lodge 123, a member of The Scottish-Rite and also a member of the Osman Temple of St. Paul.

He is survived by his wife Laurell of Zepherhills, Fla.; two daughters: Jane (and Steven) Bunn of Blooming Prairie, and Nancy Cram Russell of Waseca; five grandsons; and one brother. He is also survived by three stepsons: Bradley (and Julie) Longueville, Michael (and Linsey) Longueville, and Scott (and Karen) Longueville; and one stepdaughter Melanie Longueville.

Clayton was a friend to many people and will be sadly missed, but never forgotten.

Memorials preferred in lieu of flowers.