The Three Oaks Flag Day Parade Committee is thrilled to announce that John C. Kramer has been selected
as the Grand Marshal for the 2025 parade!
as the Grand Marshal for the 2025 parade!
Our Grand Marshal
Three Oaks, meet John Kramer.
A lifelong resident of Three Oaks, John embodies the spirit, history, and warmth of our community.
A lifelong resident of Three Oaks, John embodies the spirit, history, and warmth of our community.
A Life of Service and Adventure
John graduated from Three Oaks High School in 1963 and went on to serve his country in the U.S. Navy from 1965 to 1969 as an Electronic Technician (ET2). He was stationed on the MARKAB, a repair ship based in San Francisco, and later on the AGS Auxiliary Geodetic Survey Ship, MAURY, based in Hawaii. During his service, he traveled the Pacific Ocean, visiting ports in Vietnam, China, Korea, and Japan, where he helped create ocean depth charts that were crucial for naval operations. His travels took him twice across the Pacific on each ship, and he also spent time at the Great Lakes Naval Base for boot camp and training.
A Pillar of the Community
After his military service, John returned to Three Oaks, where he co-founded Spring Creek Masonry with his longtime business partner, Butch Schwark. Together, they built a lasting business and contributed to the charm of our local architecture. John has also dedicated decades to public service, serving as a Trustee on the Three Oaks Village Council since 1986, a member of the Three Oaks Township Planning Commission since 1987, and on the Three Oaks Township Board of Review since 1986.
Family and Fun
John is the proud father of four daughters: Melissa Pressey, Jennifer Portinga, Sara Wood, and Mandy Kramer. His legacy of love and family continues with his eleven grandchildren: Alec Portinga, Dylan Morozowski, Sophia Egold, Brianna Pressey, Jacob Egold, Emma Pressey, James Egold, Byron Minton, and the trio of Betty, Harper, and Langston Minton.
John has attended every Flag Day Parade since 1970, marching with the American Legion for nearly five decades. His favorite part of Flag Day weekend? "Seeing friends and being with family." He has fond memories of growing up at 7 Spruce Street, where the side yard became a neighborhood whiffle ball field for friends like George Mangold, Bryan Volstorf, Dave Perkins, and many more. Bryan Volstorf recalls, "We played whiffle ball whether the Kramers were home or not!" The backyard playhouse was a regular spot for sleepovers, adding to the cherished memories of childhood.
The Sweet Side of Life
John has a sweet tooth, with his top ice cream picks being Moose Tracks, Cookies and Cream, and Peanut Butter Cup. We're sure you might catch him enjoying a cone at the parade!
Please join us in congratulating John C. Kramer as our 2025 Grand Marshal and celebrating his service, dedication, and genuine love for Three Oaks. We look forward to seeing everyone at this year’s parade, where the spirit of our town shines the brightest!
John graduated from Three Oaks High School in 1963 and went on to serve his country in the U.S. Navy from 1965 to 1969 as an Electronic Technician (ET2). He was stationed on the MARKAB, a repair ship based in San Francisco, and later on the AGS Auxiliary Geodetic Survey Ship, MAURY, based in Hawaii. During his service, he traveled the Pacific Ocean, visiting ports in Vietnam, China, Korea, and Japan, where he helped create ocean depth charts that were crucial for naval operations. His travels took him twice across the Pacific on each ship, and he also spent time at the Great Lakes Naval Base for boot camp and training.
A Pillar of the Community
After his military service, John returned to Three Oaks, where he co-founded Spring Creek Masonry with his longtime business partner, Butch Schwark. Together, they built a lasting business and contributed to the charm of our local architecture. John has also dedicated decades to public service, serving as a Trustee on the Three Oaks Village Council since 1986, a member of the Three Oaks Township Planning Commission since 1987, and on the Three Oaks Township Board of Review since 1986.
Family and Fun
John is the proud father of four daughters: Melissa Pressey, Jennifer Portinga, Sara Wood, and Mandy Kramer. His legacy of love and family continues with his eleven grandchildren: Alec Portinga, Dylan Morozowski, Sophia Egold, Brianna Pressey, Jacob Egold, Emma Pressey, James Egold, Byron Minton, and the trio of Betty, Harper, and Langston Minton.
John has attended every Flag Day Parade since 1970, marching with the American Legion for nearly five decades. His favorite part of Flag Day weekend? "Seeing friends and being with family." He has fond memories of growing up at 7 Spruce Street, where the side yard became a neighborhood whiffle ball field for friends like George Mangold, Bryan Volstorf, Dave Perkins, and many more. Bryan Volstorf recalls, "We played whiffle ball whether the Kramers were home or not!" The backyard playhouse was a regular spot for sleepovers, adding to the cherished memories of childhood.
The Sweet Side of Life
John has a sweet tooth, with his top ice cream picks being Moose Tracks, Cookies and Cream, and Peanut Butter Cup. We're sure you might catch him enjoying a cone at the parade!
Please join us in congratulating John C. Kramer as our 2025 Grand Marshal and celebrating his service, dedication, and genuine love for Three Oaks. We look forward to seeing everyone at this year’s parade, where the spirit of our town shines the brightest!