Clement Joseph Kraemer

Clement Joseph Kraemer - Clem, Dad, Pa - passed away peacefully on May 27, 2024 at the age of 86. He lived a long and full life and leaves a legacy of laughter, faith, and love for his family. Born October 1, 1937 to the late Linus and Anna (Roth) Kraemer, Clem was the youngest of his 12 brothers and sisters, all of whom he now joins in Heaven. He grew up in Center Line, Michigan and graduated from St. Clement Catholic School in 1956. He married Doris (Weingartz) in 1960 and they lived and raised their family in Shelby Township/Utica, Michigan. Clem was a devoted Catholic and member of the St. Lawrence Parish community. His faith was strong and evident in his love for his family and generosity to charity. He attended daily Mass with his wife, prayed the Rosary every day, and never let his children leave the house without a dose of Holy water and a promise that they'd call when they got home. He was a hard worker and always put others before himself. Clem proudly served in the United States Army from 1956 to 1958. For 52 years, he worked for the U.S. Postal Service, retiring in 2009. He was a man of quiet strength and humility, fighting Parkinson's and other health problems without complaint. Clem loved sports and was a talented athlete. He pitched his way onto the varsity baseball team as a freshman at St. Clement High School and didn't see a loss until his senior year. He is celebrated for throwing 2 no-hitters and 3 league championships. In his adulthood, he enjoyed rounds of golf with his brothers and sons. He shared his love of baseball, golf, hockey, and University of Michigan football (Go Blue!) with his family (and anyone who would listen). His passion for sports was passed down to his kids and grandkids, and he loved nothing more than to join them in a driveway game of HORSE, play some catch in the backyard, or cheer them on from the stands. He was a skilled craftsman and enjoyed woodworking and tending to his garden and pond. He played the lottery weekly, collected sports memorabilia and model cars, and spent hours putting puzzles together. He liked to play cards and games, and preferred small gatherings with his wife, kids, and grandkids over big celebrations. Perhaps more than anything else, Clem will be remembered for his incredible sense of humor and unmatched ability to make people laugh. His playful teasing spared no one (especially those who dared side with the green and white), and his bright smile and infectious laugh filled every room he was in. His children will fondly reminisce about his stories and jokes, likely over some of Dad's favorites - a bowl of chocolate ice cream, some cantaloupe, or a shot of whiskey. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, brothers and sisters: Cecilia (Lawrence) Morang, Reverend Paulinus Kraemer S.D.S., Eugene Kraemer, Vincent (Margaret) Kraemer, Leo (Shirley) Kraemer, Sylvester Kraemer, Therese (Frank) Hogan, Francis (Lorraine) Kraemer, Reverend Bartholomew O.S.B., Anna Kraemer, and Hubert Kraemer; and son-in-law Garry Pokley. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Doris (Weingartz) Kraemer; 5 children - Suzanne Pokley, James (Ruthanne) Kraemer, Maryanne (Brad) Anschuetz, Gerard (Rayleen) Kraemer, and Karen (Patrick) St. John; 12 grandchildren - Landice (Conor) Ryan, Samantha (Jared) Allen, Brandon (Michelle) Pokley, Alyssa (Eliot) Woolford, Blake (Daria) Pokley, Nolan Anschuetz, Dalton Pokley, Jack Kraemer, Colin (Brooke Heisler) Anschuetz, Jarrett St. John, Carly Anschuetz, and Steven St. John; 8 great-grandchildren - Caroline, Cecelia, and Jensen Allen, Jackson and Kennedy Ryan, Nathan and Jane Woolford, and Georgia Pokley; and sister-in-law Barbara Kraemer. Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 2 from 2-8 pm with a Rosary service at 7 pm at Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 8459 Hall Rd., Utica, MI 48317. The funeral will take place on Monday, June 3, with in-state visitation starting at 9:30 am until the time of Mass at 10 am at St. Lawrence Catholic Parish, 44633 Utica Rd., Utica, MI 48317. He will be interred at St. Lawrence Cemetery following the funeral Mass. The family asks that memorial donations in honor of Clement be made out to, St. Benedict Monastery, at 2711 Drahner Rd, Oxford, MI 48370, The Capuchin Franciscan Province of St. Joseph, at https://www.thecapuchins.org/donate, or to Heart to Heart Hospice, at https://www.htohhfoundation.org/donation/.

Clement Joseph Kraemer

October 1, 1937 - May 27, 2024