Frederick Louis Kraemer, age 90, of Mystic, passed away Thursday, September 16, 2021, surrounded by his loving family.
Fred was born in Wilson Borough, Pennsylvania, to Henry and Elizabeth Wilson Kraemer, and was one of nine children. Due to the circumstances of the times, he was raised by family friends, Hester and Mel Horne, and later by Hester’s mother and father, Harry and Elva Harper. He even got an extra sister in the bargain, Florence Harper Young. Thus, Fred was blessed to have had three loving families growing up.
Fred graduated from Pen Argyl High School in 1949 and married his high school sweetheart, the late Marie Yeisley, in 1952. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1951 to 1955 on the USS Batfish (SS 310) and graduated from Moravian College in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science in Physics. In 1959, he started a career at Electric Boat in Groton, and he and Marie settled in Mystic in 1960, where they led an active life raising five children and developing many life-long friendships, always providing a welcoming home to all.
During his 33-year career at Electric Boat, Fred served in many positions, including chief test engineer, ship’s manager, 2nd shift yard manager, and site manager of the nuclear facility in West Milton, New York. Those who worked under his leadership and alongside him, loved working with Fred because of his positive demeanor, helpfulness, and his respect for all.
Fred and Marie were long-time members of Mystic Congregational Church where Fred served as deacon and volunteered in various capacities.
Fred is survived by his five children, Julia Kraemer and her partner Michael McLaughlin of New London, Rita (Kraemer) Barber of North Stonington, Charles Harper Kraemer and his wife Minerva of Ledyard, Elizabeth (Kraemer) Bigley and her husband James of Ledyard, Sarah (Kraemer) Blodgett and her husband David of Ledyard; grandchildren Jessica (Matthew) Getchell, Crystal (Stefan) Kilis, and Ernest (Emily) Richard III, Timothy and Elizabeth Blodgett, Corinna and Caylee Kraemer; great-grandchildren Ava and Lila Getchell; brothers Richard, Steven, and William Kraemer, and sister Constance Grover. Fred was predeceased by his wife Marie; great-granddaughter Jenna Nicole Castillo; brothers Carl and Henry Kraemer and sisters Caroline Kelly and Harriett Mack.
The Kraemer family expresses their deep appreciation and gratitude to Fred’s caregivers that provided loving care both at home and at Mystic Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center (Mystic Manor).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the The Salvation Army, 855 Asylum Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105.
Calling hours will be held at the Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Mystic, on Monday, September 20, from 5-7 pm. A service will be held on Tuesday, September 21, at 10:30 am, at Mystic Congregational Church, 43 East Main Street, Mystic.