Carol Lee Kraemer passed away peacefully on April 20 in Olympia, Washington. Carol was known for her gentle nature and incredible humility.
She was born on Sept. 5, 1932, in Long Beach, California, to Carl and Carolyn Lamb. She was a caring older sister to her two younger brothers, Chuck and Don.
As a teenager, Carol met Robert Kraemer at a dance at the Newaukum Grange in 1948. She graduated from Chehalis High School in 1950 and later attended Vocational School in Seattle, where she studied dressmaking for a year and a half. She and Robert were married on Nov. 29, 1952, at St. Joseph Church in Chehalis.
They made their home in the Newaukum Valley, where they raised three children: Eugene, Mary Ann, and Barbara. Carol and Robert were married for 71 years before Robert’s passing in 2023.
Carol had many interests, but especially enjoyed sewing, crafts, canning, and caring for her family. One of her favorite pastimes was flying kites on Washington’s beaches. She was a proud member of the Grange for 76 years and was deeply involved in community service, particularly programs supporting youth. She served as a 4-H and Junior Grange leader and held the position of Junior Grange District Chairperson for Southwest Washington.
Carol worked professionally as a seamstress from her home beginning in 1959 and continued sewing throughout her life. Over the years, she pursued various entrepreneurial ventures, including helping to establish the local farmers market, where she was a vendor, and participating in local craft bazaars.
While living in assisted living, Carol remained active and creative — she loved jigsaw puzzles and continued sewing aprons and her signature monkey dolls, which she donated to local charities.
Carol is survived by her brother, Donald (Marj) Lamb, of Forks, Washington; her son, Eugene (Vickie), of Gig Harbor, Washington; daughters, Mary Ann, of Sandpoint, Idaho, and Barbara, of Olympia, Washington; three granddaughters, three great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, and her brother, Charles.
There will be a service held at Sticklin Funeral Chapel on May 1, 2025, at 11:30 a.m., followed by a brief graveside service at Claquato Cemetery at 1 p.m., and a reception at Sticklin Funeral Chapel from 2 to 4 p.m.
The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the many compassionate caregivers who supported Carol throughout the years. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph School.
