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Incident
Police Officer John Oberkramer was struck and killed by a vehicle while manning a roadblock. The vehicle that struck him was being driven by a 14-year-old juvenile who was fleeing other officers. Two years later the subject was seriously injured in St. Louis County when he lost control of his car and crashed into a tree. Officer Oberkramer had served with the Des Peres Police Department for just over 2-1/2 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four sons.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Officer Oberkramer gave the Des Peres Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Des Peres community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Oberkramer.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
John is the only officer of Des Peres Police Department remembered here.
John is one of 527 officers killed feloniously in MO, 63.6% of the 829 remembered there.
John is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1978, 3 officers in MO were killed feloniously, the 55th heaviest of 146 years on record. The heaviest was 1920, with 16.
In 1978, 121 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 43rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1978, 135 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 40th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 39. Of the 477 killed feloniously in MO whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 39. John had served 2.7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 39. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. John had served 2.7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 39. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 2.7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 11% of these deaths in MO, more than any other month. Sundays: 16.9%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Sundays: 15.2%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Des Peres Police Department. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.6% of all 829 deaths in MO, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 5.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.4% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 2-E
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