Edward J. Kraimer

Edward Kraimer Sr. 78, Wausau, departed this world on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital with strength and dignity, surrounded by his family, after an ongoing battle with Parkinson's disease. Edward was born August 5, 1933 in Wausau, son of the late August and Agnes (Schmitz) Kraimer. On November 3, 1956 he married Corrine A. DeLonay at St. Therese Catholic Church. Ed and Corrine were married 55 years and built a lifetime of family memories. Ed was the rock of his family. He was a patient, strong and loving husband, father and grandfather. Edward was hardworking and rarely rested. He could design and build anything he set his mind to. He was a respected contractor, builder and draftsman. As a young man, he started a building company with his father, August Kraimer & Son., and built & designed several homes and businesses in the Wausau area. Ed was a proud American and served four years in the United State Air Force during the Korean War. He was proud of his accomplishment of installing the "Original U.S. Thunderbirds symbol" as the centerpiece of the hardwood floor at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, showcasing the symbol for the very first "U.S. Thunderbirds". He was a member of the Knights of Columbus George Schreier Council #1069 and also active in the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus Pere Rene Menard General Assembly and served as a past Faithful Navigator. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge #248, Wausau. Ed and Corrine built their vacation home on Somo Lake, Tomahawk, Wisconsin back in the 1960's where they enjoyed many wonderful summers there together. The Kraimer cottage was always full of family and friends enjoying laughter, friendship and love. His interests included fishing, hunting, gardening, building and watching the Green Bay Packers with his family, cheering and yelling at the TV. Ed had a love for dogs, and they loved him because he would always sneak them food. He also loved watching birds, especially the hummingbirds and eagles up at the cottage. Ed was very giving and could always be counted on to help others. Survivors include his wife, Corrine, Wausau; one daughter, Terese Schuster, Wausau; two sons, Edward, Jr. (Casey), Wisconsin Rapids; Kurt (Shelly), Wausau; and blessed with eight grandchildren, Felicia, Brianna, Chelsea and Mitchell Schuster; Chase and Trent Kraimer; and Austin and Jake Kraimer; one sister, Donna Mae (Al) Deininger, White Bear Lake, MN; and lifelong friend Herman Westerdyk. He was loved dearly by many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and special friends. He was a role model for his kids and grandkids. We will always keep him forever in our hearts. The funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 10, 2011 at The Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Wausau. Rev. John Robert Alphonse will preside. Entombment will be in the Memorial Chapel Mausoleum, Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Friends may call Friday from 4:00 until 7:30 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau and again on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. There will be a Wausau Elks Lodge of Sorrow service at 7:00 p.m. followed by a rosary service on Friday evening at the funeral home. The family extends their gratitude to the staff at Aspirus Palliative Care, Wausau, and Comfort Care and Hospice Services for the excellent care Ed received. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com a