- Duane C. Kraemer, age 88, passed away on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison after a brief illness, surrounded in love by his family. He was born on August 21, 1934, in Baraboo, WI and was later adopted by Edward and Gisela (Frank) Kraemer. Duane was a lifelong resident of Plain, WI and attended St. Luke's Catholic School and graduated from Campion High School.
Following his education at Marquette University, he joined his dad and brothers at Edward Kraemer & Sons as the company's sole blasting expert in their aggregate quarries. He later advanced to the position of Area Superintendent. After transitioning with The Kraemer Company, he continued his career as an Area Superintendent. Over the course of 52 years, he traveled the state and made countless friendships with clients, upholding his father's belief that a promise and a handshake was the strongest contract. Duane embodied the true spirit of a company man, going above and beyond to share his vast knowledge with all colleagues to ensure their success. His selflessness and dedication to his colleagues earned him not only respect, but also admiration from all those who had the pleasure of working with him.
Duane was an active member of St. Luke's Catholic Church and a charter member of the St. Luke's Knights of Columbus. Additionally, he was the construction manager for the initial development of the Westbrook Golf Course. Duane was deeply committed to his community, serving as an officer for the Plain Lions Club and as a member of the River Valley School Board for three years. Following his retirement, he devoted much of his time and energy to improving the church and school grounds. Duane or "Curly" as he was known by many, was married on April 19, 1958 to the former Gwendolyn Hill and was a devoted husband for 65 years. He was a loving father to their four daughters Laura, Mary, Kathy, and Anne and a doting "Papa" to his 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife, Gwen Kraemer; children, Laura (Randy) Kraemer-Haas, Mary (Glenn)Weiss , Kathy (Kevin) Heiser, and Anne (Tom) Pientka; as well as grandchildren, Connor Haas, Collin Haas, Ciara Kraemer Haas, Philip (Emily) Kraemer, Oliver Kraemer, Ben (Kristi) Heiser, Elizabeth (Brandon) Koziol, Jacob (Jarica) Heiser, Christopher (Nikki) Hill and Taylor Hill. He is also survived by his sisters: Mary Dunwell (DuPuis) and Joanne Lottes (DuPuis); sisters-in-law, Nola DuPuis and Corine Hill; as well as many nieces, nephews (especially the Kraemer, Hill families); other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Gisela Kraemer; and brothers, Rudy, Fred, and Vic Kraemer; Edmund, LaVern, Roland and David DuPuis; and sisters, Iris Umhoefer (Kraemer), Jeanne Von Allmon (DuPuis) and Patricia Goodell (DuPuis).
Duane took great pride in his home and lawn, his meticulous attention to detail was evident to all who knew him. Additionally, he enjoyed cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals and moreover, he loved mixing up and indulging in a Korbel Brandy Manhattan, often sharing his favorite cocktail with anyone who would join him. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends and will be remembered as a kind and gentle man with a dry sense of humor and a generous soul.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Luke's Catholic Church in Plain with burial in the church cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be held on Monday, April 24, 2023 at St. Luke's Catholic Church from 4:00 P.M.-7:00 P.M. and again on Tuesday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of Mass.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Luke's Catholic School Endowment or Kraemer Library and Community Center. Online condolences available at www.staffordfuneralhomes.com. The Richardson-Stafford Funeral Home in Spring Green is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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1934 - 2023 (88 years)
