Holly MatkinEau Claire, WI – Eau Claire County Sheriff Ron Cramer died unexpectedly on September 13.
The 68-year-old sheriff’s body was discovered at his home, Chippewa County Sheriff Jim Kowalczyk told the La Crosse Tribune.
His exact cause of death was not immediately released.
The Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Office (ECCSO) confirmed Sheriff Cramer’s sudden passing in a press release later in the day.
“It is with great sadness that the Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Office announces the unexpected death of Sheriff Ron Cramer,” the department said. “Sheriff Cramer truly loved his work and it showed in his passion for helping the people of Eau Claire County.”
Sheriff Cramer joined the ECCSO in 1975 and went on to serve as a reserve deputy, jailer, patrol deputy, detective, and civil process deputy earlier in his career.
He was also proud of his time serving on the West Central Drug Task Force, where he worked as an investigator and project director.
Sheriff Cramer graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, in 1999.
He was elected as a write-in candidate in 1996 and had been serving as the 47th sheriff of Eau Claire County ever since, WEAU reported.
Sheriff Cramer announced earlier this year that he would be retiring at the end of his present term.
“The Sheriff’s Office will continue to serve the citizens of Eau Claire County with the professionalism and respect Sheriff Cramer expected of us all,” the ECCSO said.
Eau Claire County Judge Jon Theisen said the death of the longtime sheriff is a loss for the entire community, the La Crosse Tribune reported.
“Our Sheriff Cramer zealously served the public, zealously worked for justice. And he was just a damn good person,” Theisen said. “My heart aches for his family. RIP, sheriff.”
Sheriff Cramer leaves behind his wife of 46 years, Cheryl, according to his obituary.
He is also survived by his siblings, in-laws, nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins, friends, and his law enforcement community.
The line of mourners gathered for the beloved sheriff’s visitation on Monday wrapped all the way around the Chippewa Valley Cremation Services and Celebration of Life Center building, according to WQOW.
Sheriff Cramer’s memorial service was held on Tuesday, WEAU reported.
Funeral for Eau Claire County Sheriff Ron Cramer is happening as we speak. pic.twitter.com/IJKOj7nwO1
— Rob Romano (@robreports775) September 20, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Eau Claire County Sheriff Ron Cramer, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
Sandy Malone
