Alan J. Kraemer

KRAEMER

Alan John Kraemer, of Glendale, AZ., was born on October 8, 1923 in Steger, Illinois to William and Elizabeth Kraemer. He was preceded in death by his wife Irene (Piepenbrink), whom he was married to for 68 years He had a brother William (Kraemer) and sister Margaret (Homeier), both of Steger. He is survived by three children, Darrel (of Apache Junction, AZ) and Pamela (Potempa) of Tinley Park, IL, and Bonnie (Pennemans) of Mesa, AZ. He had 8 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. After Alan had his first of many heart surgeries, they decided to leave the cold winters in Chicago and moved to Glendale, AZ in August, 1984 where Alan worked at Ace Hardware until he retired. Alan was a hard worker and enjoyed fixing things, joking around, and talking. He was always a good salesman from insurance to cars to hardware supplies. He was a Mr. Fix-It who could fix anything from toasters to cars. He also loved sports like coaching the Zion’s Men Softball team and played on Zion’s Dartball team He was active in the church as a member on the Board of Trustees and an Elder of Zion. He fought hard to raise money to purchase the vacant land next to the church, which proved to be a valuable investment in the future growth of the Lutheran school system in Crete.Alan (after much conflict with his parents) enlisted in the Army Air Corp. December 7, 1942 at age 18. He received extensive training as an Aeronautical Electrical and Engine specialist. He was able to work on the B-17, B-25, the Flying Fortress aircraft, as well as submarines. After training, he volunteered for overseas duty and was stationed in Sudbury, England where he remained for the duration of the war. He was a proud WWII American Serviceman. Visitation: Monday February 6, 2017 at Zion Lutheran Ev. Church 1610 Main Street Crete, Il. (Main Street is considered Route 1). 10:30a.m. until time of service at 11:30 a.m. Interment to follow at Zion Lutheran Ev. Cemetery ( 2 blocks South of the Church) Crete, Il. Info: 708-636-1200 or www.chapelhillgardenssouth.com