101, of LaPrairie
William H. “Bill” Kraemer, 101, of LaPrairie, IL passed away at 6:19 am on Monday, March 23, 2026 at the Grand Prairie Assisted Living Center in Macomb, IL.
He was born on November 1, 1924 in Jamaica, NY to Charles and Alice Russsell Kraemer. He was united in marriage to Dorcas Chockley, whom he met while stationed at Camp Ellis Army camp near Table Grove/ Ipava, IL. on November 24, 1945 in Bowen, IL She preceded him in death on May 29, 2022.
Bill attended New York schools growing up. He then joined the US Army and served his country in WW II. After his marriage to Dorcas, they lived in New York City for 5 years where they operated a delicatessen. Then they moved to Illinois in 1950 where they began farming. Bill also did interior and exterior painting for many years. Bill enjoyed visiting with friends and family, playing cards, watching Western TV shows and speaking anywhere he was asked to go about his time in the Army during WW II. Bill was an active member of the Camden United Methodist Church and a 50 year member of the Huntsville Masonic Lodge.
He is survived by two daughters; Karen (Mark) Huff of Auburn, IL and Sandy Elbe of Augusta, IL, five grandchildren; Keri (Brian) Dean of Tuscola, IL, Bill (Jennifer) Huff of Auburn, IL, Josh (Carrie) Elbe of Wellford, SC, Justin (Heidi) Elbe of Macomb, IL and Jessie (Andy) Rector of Macomb, IL, 19 great-grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a grandson, Tim Huff, his son-in-law, Ron Elbe, his siblings and their spouses, Russell (Ann) Kraemer, Ida Kraemer, Marion (Bill) Larson, Charles (Peggy) Kraemer, his brothers and sisters-in-law, Leo and Ruby Chockley, Wally and Loraine Freye, Herbert and Eva Chockley and Kenneth and Nancy Marlow.
A celebration of Bill’s life, followed by a lunch, will be held for all family and friends at the Augusta Senior Citizens Center in Augusta, IL on Tuesday April 7, 2026 at 12:00 noon. Memorial contributions may be made to the Camden United Methodist Church or Mt. Horeb Cemetery and can be left or mailed to Hamilton Funeral Home PO Box 368 Augusta, IL 62311.
The Hamilton Funeral Home in Augusta, IL is handling arrangements.
