Robert F. Kraemer, 92, of Chehalis, Washington, passed away on Tuesday, July 18, 2023.
Bob took his first breath on Dec. 3, 1930. He was born to Joseph and Mary Kraemer, of Chehalis, and was a caring brother to four siblings: Larry, Paul, Kenneth and James. Bob married the love of his life, Carol Lee (Lamb), on Nov. 29, 1952. Together, they had three children, Eugene, Mary Ann and Barbara.
Bob enjoyed a long career at Grange Supply/Cenex from 1947 to 1997. He worked under 10 different managers in his time there. Bob worked as a bookkeeper and in sales and service. For the majority of his years with the company, he worked as a fuel delivery driver throughout Lewis County and south Thurston County.
Bob spent most of his free time giving back to his community. He was a valued member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Bob helped the church with fundraisers and volunteered through the church at coffee stops off of Interstate 5. He spent six years serving in the Army National Guard. Bob took pride in his years of volunteer work with the Chehalis Food Bank. He was a member of the Newaukum Grange for 74 years as well as a member of Pomona, Washington state and national grange associations. He served as a Washington state grange deputy for Lewis County.
Bob was a member of the Knights of Columbus for over 70 years; the NRA; and the Lewis County Growth Management project. He is also known as a "Super Donor" by the Red Cross, donating 108 units of blood.
Bob often commented that he had little time for hobbies with all of his volunteer work, but he somehow found time for hunting, fishing, beach camping and clam digging while maintaining 17 and a half acres of property. Bob was a motorcycle aficionado, owning different models throughout his life. He was a member of the American Motorcyclist Association and for years his motorcycle was his primary means of transportation.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Paul Kraemer.
Bob is survived by his wife, Carol Lee; his siblings, Larry Kraemer, Ken Kraemer (Louise) and Jim Kraemer (Tammy); his children, Eugene Kraemer (Vickie), Mary Ann Kraemer and Barbara Kraemer; his three granddaughters; and his three great-grandchildren.
The family would like to thank Bob’s home caregivers and “service dog” Lulu.
On Aug. 1, there will be a visitation at 10 a.m., rosary at 10:30 a.m. and funeral mass at 11 a.m., all at St. Joseph Church (157 SW Sixth St., Chehalis, WA 98532). At 12:30 p.m., there will be a graveside service at Claquato Cemetery (142 Stearns Road, Chehalis, WA 98532) followed by a reception back at St. Joseph Church.
Memorial donations can be made to the Chehalis Food Bank. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sticklinsfuneralchapel. com for the Kraemer family.
