Debra "Debbie" A. Kraemer

Debbie Ann Kraemer departed her loving family and friends unexpectedly on November 27, 2023. Debbie was the heart of her family. Her smile, kindness, laughter, generosity, and storytelling will be missed beyond compare. Always at the center of the kitchen table conversation, with a beautiful meal she had prepared. Her home was welcoming to new and old friends alike, with Debbie you were at home.

Debbie was born in Milwaukee, WI to Guy and Pat Blakely. She was a role model for her younger sister Lisa Niehoff. Together they formed a happy family, and she found the recipe to form a family of her own. Upon moving to Hartland, she met Joe (JR) Kraemer in the Arrowhead High School Orchestra where she was 1st chair violin. She graduated from Arrowhead High School in 1976, and the sweethearts were soon betrothed. They were happily married for 44 years. Joe was the love of her life, her partner, and her best friend. She supported him through his career as a business owner and was always by his side. She was a mother and best friend to Amy (Kraemer) Radtke. Together they shared a passion for food, musical theatre, country music, and parties.

Her family would continue to grow as she welcomed in her brother-in-law Jim and son-in-law Chuck with open arms. Soon she would be forever known as “Yaya” to her three grandchildren: Eloise, Joseph, and Margaret Radtke. She spent countless hours with them crafting, playing games, and hanging out by the pool. She was overjoyed to care for her grandchildren at any time.

Debbie’s parties and entertaining were legendary. She enjoyed being in the kitchen, and just like her mom, became an extraordinary home cook. From Christmas celebrations to birthdays and all the small get-togethers in between, we always wanted her near. Her legacy will be 30 years of the “Summer Party”. An epic event that kept family and friends connected and made many memories.

Having travel or dinner plans on the calendar was a must for Debbie. It may have been a weekend away with friends, pizza on a Tuesday, or traveling the world with the people she loved. She craved new experiences and destinations but was a dedicated Wisconsinite. Debbie and Joe were notorious for their adventures together with a multitude of lifelong friends near and far, fun-loving people flocked to her.

Debbie was the foundation of our family. A sophisticated stylish lady, who loved her dogs, cats, and a glass of red wine. Most of all she loved her friends and family.

Debbie is preceded in death by her father, Guy, her brother-in-law Ed, and sister-in-law Terry. She is survived by her mother Pat, husband JR, daughter Amy (Chuck) Radtke, grandchildren; Eloise, Joseph, and Margaret, sister Lisa (Jim) Niehoff, mother-in-law Edna Kraemer, and her brothers and sisters-in-law; Mike and Debbie Kraemer, Larry and Lori Kraemer, Greg and Jane Kraemer, and Diane Thompkins. Debbie loved and will be missed by her nieces and nephews, Aaron, Derek, Andrea, Jamie, Ashley, Turia, Jimmy, Lizzie, Elsa, and Mitch. Cousins Lynne, Jennifer, and many other relatives and friends.

A Visitation will be held on Monday, December 4, 2023, from 4:00 PM-7:00 PM at the Evert-Luko Funeral Home, 170 Warren Ave. Hartland, WI. Visitation on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, will be at St. Charles Catholic Church, 313 Circle Drive, Hartland, WI. From 10:00 AM until 11:15 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 AM at St. Charles. Immediately following the Mass, friends and family are invited to join the family for lunch at Chenequa Country Club, 6250 Hwy 83, Hartland, WI.

A private family burial will be at St. Clare Catholic Cemetery in North Lake, WI.

In Lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Little Warrior Foundation.

https://littlewarrior.org/