David George Kraemer, 61, passed away suddenly on January 17, 2023, in Kennewick.

David was born June 30, 1961, in the old Kadlec hospital, to George and Marjorie Kraemer and welcomed by his big sister Lauri. Growing up, Dave enjoyed outdoor activities, motorcycles, and his beloved dog, Caesar. He attended Richland schools (Jason Lee, Chief Jo) and graduated from Columbia High School in 1980. Dave discovered welding at the age of 12, and earned an AA Welding Science degree from Columbia Basin College in 1982, determined to be the best welder/pipefitter ever!

David married his wife Laurie Lynn Willis November 9, 1985, and they made their home in Kennewick. Their sons, Lucas and Tyler, were both born in Richland (new Kadlec). When the boys grew up, moved away, but returned to live in Richland, Dave was thrilled. His boys had come home and would always be nearby. He could not be happier.

Dave loved his cats, believed in Big Foot, cheered for the Seahawks, but was best known for Harley Davidsons and Power wagons – collecting, tinkering, wheeling and dealing. He was a true handyman: he could build a bookshelf, lay tile, or fix a motor. His boys knew they only had to call Dad to get something installed, painted, or repaired. His friends called him Super Dave.

Dave is a proud Journeyman Pipefitter, out of the Local 598 Plumbers and Pipefitters. He started his career in December 1996, first as an apprentice with Thompson Mechanical (now Intermech), turning out and staying through 2019 before going to work for Apollo Mechanical Contractors. For over 26 years, Dave lived his dream, surrounded by his Union brothers, doing what he did best!

David is survived by his family: Laurie; Lucas/Heather (nee Marshall) and daughter, Quinn; Tyler/Denise Foust (fiancé) and family (Aric, Brooke, Devon, Cahre); dear mother Marj; sister/brother-in-law Lauri/Pete Serafin; and niece Amelia. He is also survived by numerous Kraemer cousins; Willis (Mills) and Marshall family members; friends who were more like family; and the many friends he made growing up and working in the Tri-Cities. He loved you all, but his greatest love was his granddaughter Quinn. They had a special bond. PopPop adored his baby girl, spending hours, wrapped around her finger, just smiling.

Dave was preceded in death by his father George Robert Kraemer (September 2022). Dave wrote on FB,
“Rest in peace and will see you down the road.” Now, the Kraemer men are together again, probably planning their next deer or elk hunt.

Services will be held Sunday, January 29, at 11:00 AM at Einan’s Events at Sunset on the Bypass, Richland. Come celebrate Dave’s life and share a story or two. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in David’s name to the Local 598 Scholarship fund.