Michael R. Cramer of Grand Haven, Michigan, died April 1, 2024 at the age of 78. The eldest son of Rolf and Ellen Cramer, Mike spent his early years in frontier Alaska, moving to Missouri with the family for his final year of high school. Graduating from Iowa State University with a degree in aerospace engineering, he spent his early career with his wife Sue (Vilas) and two daughters, Jodie and Erin, on the west coast working for Boeing and Honeywell in Seattle and Jet Propulsion Laboratories in Pasadena, California where he was instrumental in an early Mariner 10 mission to Venus and Mercury.  In 1980 the family moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan to work for Lear-Siegler.

In Michigan, a second chapter of his life began when he married Courtney Albers and his son, Alex was born. He became an enthusiastic boat owner taking annual trips on the Great Lakes. The family moved to Grand Haven in 2001 and shortly after he began working for MITRE Corporation in Virginia where he spent nearly 20 years improving regulations and standards for civil aviation.

He was widely read, had a curious mind, a great singing voice and loved listening to classical music. He loved all the small personal connections he made with people in Grand Haven and within the aviation technical community.

He is survived by his wife, Courtney Albers, daughters Jodie Clay (and son Max) and Erin Sickeri (son Ryan and daughter Rachel), son Alexander, younger brothers Larry, Paul, and Ken and their families.
Mike's accomplishments as an aerospace engineer in aviation safety and space exploration, and his dedication to family will be fondly remembered and greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, individuals may donate to the American Cancer Society, Mayo Clinic, or Southern Poverty Law Center in his name. A celebration of life is planned for a later date for family, friends and members of the Grand Haven community.