Bob Kraemer was born in Jamaica, New York and died at home on July 24, 2008 at the age of 68 after a five-year battle with cancer.
His wife of 46 years, Joanne, and their children Stuart, Kristin, Todd and spouse, Melissa and his grandson Miles survive him.
Bob came to live in Gilroy and work at Gilroy Foods in 1971 after serving 10 years in the Army. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War during which he was awarded the Silver Star.
He also leaves behind siblings Richard, Ronald, Donald, Kathy, Christina and Sara; as well as a long list of in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews.
One of his greatest passions was the city of Gilroy and seeing the community flourish, for both the residents and visitors. He was very involved in organizations such as Boy Scouts, Rotary, Gilroy (Bonfante) Gardens, Leadership Gilroy, Gilroy Foundation, the Gilroy Unified School District as a Trustee, and many others, too numerous to name.
The Gilroy Chamber of Commerce named him Man of the Year in 2003. That was just one of the many accolades that Bob was too humble to talk about.
Bob was also active in youth sports organizations while his children were growing up.
His motto in life was, “Life is Good” and tried to live it that way. Many people will have their favorite memories of Bob! He was one of a kind.
He loved the outdoors, and traveling with his family, and was always planning the next trip, big or small.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday August 8, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. at the Gilroy Presbyterian Church.
Private funeral services will be held at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Gustine, CA.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
Leadership Gilroy Foundation
For the Bob Kraemer Memorial Scholarship Fund
C/O Gilroy Chamber of Commerce
7471 Monterey Street
Gilroy, CA 95020
Or to:
St. Joseph’s Family Center
7950 Church Street
Gilroy, CA 95020
