By Linda Tretheway
Kraemer Frenger passed away on Sunday, 10/10/10 at 10:00 a.m. in his home surrounded by family and friends. A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, October 16th at 2 p.m. at the Senior Center. Contributions of “finger foods” are welcome.
Kraemer has been referred to as “Mr. Senior Center” for a long time. He and his wife, Betty (who passed away two years ago), moved to Orcas in 1988. Kraemer was “officially” retired but you would never have known it. He began early on driving the Senior Vans for lunch pick-ups and to take people off-island who had medical appointments or procedures. He served on the Advisory Committee working at first on raising funds and making plans for the new Senior Center. He served as “Clerk of the Works” and was on the construction site every day to make sure things were progressing as they should. His previous and extensive experience with construction and inspections made him the perfect person for the job.
His hobbies included sailing, making model airplanes, woodworking and carpentry, and spending time with his beloved Betty. His family would like everyone to come and celebrate Kraemer’s rich and wonderful life on Saturday, October 16th at the Senior Center at 2:00 p.m.
What a guy. I enjoyed Kraemer and Betty’s company many times in their home these past few years. Will miss his ranging views on WWII and technology. Was a good freind.
I am sad to hear this news, but so glad I had the opportunity to know Kraemer and Betty. They were such genuinely warm people, with nothing but a positive spirit toward everything. I’ll never forget them, their great big smiles, and the love for each other revealed in every look and comment that passed between them.
Here’s to THE CAPTAIN . . .
I am not gone; I am across the divide
Swept away by the eternal tide
I speak to you, though I cannot be heard
I am right beside you, rest assured
Though beyond my touch, you feel my essence
Forever in your heart a deep presence
My spirit lives on in the moments we shared
Evoke a memory and I shall be there
A sweet refrain; a wisp of breeze; a soaring dove
I am dancing in the eyes of those I love
Shed tears for me for I am unable to cry
It is hard to bid my dear ones goodbye
But do not grieve that I have lost my life
As you miss me, remember the blithe
All that I have been I shall be again
I am restored now and ready to ascend
For to have known life is to never die
I will be here waiting, across the divide.
written by: THORNE PETERS