Gene Frank Cramm, Jr., 69, of Dallas, Texas, and Okoboji, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, November 5, 2026, surrounded by his loving family at Sanford Health in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Born on August 23, 1957, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Gene grew up in the Quad Cities alongside his five brothers and one sister. He graduated from Moline High School in 1975, although he always joked that the only reason he graduated was because “they didn't want him back.”

A true self-made man, Gene began his career at Kell's DX gas station in Moline before moving on to Cox Music Co. and eventually ShowBiz Pizza. Following ShowBiz Pizza's acquisition of Chuck E. Cheese, Gene spent more than 30 years with the company, beginning as a store technician and working his way up to Executive Vice President. Throughout his career, he oversaw numerous departments, including food purchasing, game design, construction, technical support, and warehouse operations. His work sparked a lifelong love of travel, taking him to China more than 150 times and leading to a lasting friendship and business partnership with Luis Lu, owner of UNIS Technologies in Xiangshan, China. Gene later founded Amusements Worldwide, a company that services amusement venues across the United States and Canada, continuing the entrepreneurial journey he had built through decades of hard work and dedication.

Beyond his many accomplishments, Gene's greatest joy was his family. He loved traveling the world with his wife and daughters, looked forward to opening day of Texas Rangers baseball each year, and was happiest anywhere near the water, especially when he could “check the water level.” A proud “girl dad,” Gene often joked that he wouldn't have known what to do with a son. There was nothing he wouldn't do for his girls, and everyone who knew him knew just how much they meant to him. Gene also had a special place in his heart for the family's beloved dogs, Millie, Maisie, and Bridget, who could always count on him to “sneak” them a little cheese or an extra treat.

Gene will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality, unforgettable sense of humor, practical jokes, and, above all, his kind and generous heart. He had a way of making those around him feel loved, and the impact he made on so many lives will never be forgotten.

Gene is survived by his beloved wife of 32 years, Hope Cramm; his daughters, Claire Cramm of Edinburgh, UK, and Anna Cramm of Spirit Lake, Iowa, along with Anna's fiancé, Nate Monson; his brothers, Gerry (Kathey) Cramm of Carlsbad, California, Craig Cramm of Omaha, Nebraska, and Steven (Sandy) Cramm of Davenport, Iowa; and his sister, Selena (Bill) O'Brien of Moline, Illinois.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lois Soenksen and Gene Cramm, Sr.; his stepmother, Donna Kimbell; and his brothers, Warren Cramm and David Cramm.

A celebration of Gene's life will be held on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at the Majestic Pavilion at Arnolds Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial donations to Historic Arnolds Park, Inc. (HAPI) or to Ava's House, a hospice care facility at Sanford Health in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the skilled and compassionate doctors and nurses at Sanford Medical Center, especially those in the ICU, for their exceptional care. Special thanks are also extended to Dr. Justin Northeim and Marva McMillen for their extraordinary care and support throughout this difficult time. The family is equally grateful for the unwavering love and support of their family members and friends through countless messages, phone calls, visits, and thoughtful check-ins.