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Kathleen Kraemer
07/03/1952 — 01/30/2025
From Richland, WA | Born in Camp Cook, CA
Rosary
Mass
Kathleen Kraemer
Kathleen Key Kraemer (Kathy), passed away on January 30, 2025, in Richland, Washington at the age of 72 after a five-year battle with metastatic breast cancer. She was born on July 3, 1952, in Camp Cooke, California to Jolsen (Wade) and Marilyn Key and moved several times throughout the country before finally graduating from New Hanover High School in Wilmington, North Carolina. Kathy also received her Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Mathematics from the University of North Carolina, Wilmington.
Upon graduation, Kathy moved to Washington State to begin a career as a computer analyst with Boeing Computer Services. After taking some time off to raise children, Kathy went back to work part time for Energy Northwest as a systems analyst until she retired in 2012.
Kathy met her husband Ken in 1976, at a skate dancing class put on by the local community college. They found out they both had a skill for skating and loved dancing together. They also discovered that they both had degrees in Mathematics (What!?). They were married a year later and celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary this past summer.
Kathy was a hard worker but always found time to show her loving ways to friends and family, including thoughtful gifts, kind words, a chat on the phone, or a hand-written card/letter. Raising her two boys was a top priority as demonstrated by her support for their school events, scouting, sports, church, etc. Her devotion as a “Gamma” also left a lasting impression on her seven grandchildren. Kathy also enjoyed writing poetry and had many wonderful ideas and drafts for children’s stories.
Kathy is survived by her sisters Lynn Lehrschall; Lynda Key (husband John); and Michelle Bentley (husband Les); along with numerous extended family. Kathy’s loving spirit will also be missed by her husband Ken; her sons Kurt Kraemer (wife Angela) and Kyle Kraemer (wife Mallory); and her cherished grandchildren Jacob, Lucas, Kolton, Kaydon, Rowan, Klay, and Olivia. We are truly thankful for the wonderful memories that remain.
A Rosary ceremony will be held at Christ the King Church on February 22nd at 9:45am followed by a Mass at 10:30am. A Celebration of Life is being planned for a later date.
If you feel compelled, consider a donation in Kathy’s name to the Tri-Cities Cancer Center.
I met Kathy in junior high school when she moved into the house on the next street from me (both of us at 203 xxx), and we remained close friends despite living across the country from each other most of our lives. We were both math nerds ending up in programming careers, and could go years out of touch yet pick right back up where we left off, fully connected. It is with sadness I say goodbye to her, but joy knowing she will always be with me. So grateful for our last talk in late January. I will miss her a great deal.
Words cannot express the sorrow I feel with Kathy’s passing. We met at work many years ago and that friendship blossomed into a lifelong friendship. I will miss the walks by the river and the long chats we had. I feel truly blessed to have been able to call Kathy my friend. She was one of the most caring , thoughtful and compassionate people I have ever met. Kathy touched the hearts of many and will be remembered for the wonderful person that she was. I will miss her dearly. My condolences to the Kraemer family.
I was saddened to hear about Kathy’s passing. She had a caring heart and was always a joy to talk with. My deepest condolences on the loss of a very precious soul.
We were saddened to hear of Kathy’s passing. Kathy was a true friend with a heart of gold. She was one of the kindest persons I have ever known, she will be dearly missed. We extend our deepest condolences to the Kraemer family. Rest in peace my friend.
Kathy was a beautiful soul with caring heart. She will be missed greatly by all that were blessed to know her.
We have all lost someone special in Kathy. She was beautiful inside and out, with a huge heart. I always loved seeing her and talking with her over the years. She was beyond proud of her “boys” and dear grandchildren. You will all miss her every day, but know that her heart and soul will remain with you.
When Kathy left us, heaven got a new angel. My mom always said that Kathy was nice, friendly, and made mom feel very welcome. Kathy’s beautiful heart will be missed
Like so many of Kathy’s friends, I have a heavy heart hearing about Kathy’s passing. We met each other through our sons during their junior high and high school years. Kyle and Bobby became and remained good friends. In the last couple years, Kathy and I enjoyed our talks and hoping we could take some walks. I admired her beauty, kindness and determination. Such an intelligent woman. May God Bless her, thankful she is Resting in Peace. Love Liz
We were shocked and saddened to read about Kathy’s passing. Our most sincere condolences to the Kraemer family. May she rest in peace. We wish you peace and comfort during these difficult days.
Kathy will be missed by so many. She was a very caring person who touched the lives of many. She was thoughtful, smart, hard-working, and so many other things. My condolences to her family – I know all of your names from conversations – she loved you all.
Guestbook for
Kathleen Kraemer