Wilbert H. Kraehmer

Wilbert H. Kraehmer, 89, was received home by his Lord on Tuesday, March 29th at his home at Fox Ridge Estate retirement community, Bryant, Ark. He was born on August 16, 1921 in Chicago, Illinois. During World War II he met Aileen L. Kraehmer, who became his dear wife of 56 years. They lived in Memphis following eight years of service in the U.S. Navy during World War II and the Korean Conflict until her death in October 2002. He then moved to Bryant, Ark. His sister, Erdine E. Hollenbeck and his brother, Charles W. Kraehmer, preceded him in death. He loved his Lord and was committed to him through service at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Memphis where he served four different terms as congregational president, treasurer, and member of the Board of Lay Ministry, Board of Church Properties, and four different building committees. Following his service during the Korean Conflict, he worked in Memphis with his father-in-law in a small company selling appliances, heaters, and air conditioners. Eventually he became the owner and continued to work until age 72. He leaves behind a son, Herb C. Kraehmer of Seymour, Tenn.; a daughter, Karen L. Meyer of Schaumburg, Ill., and a son, Carl G. Kraehmer (wife Bobbie), of Bryant, Ark.; 10 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and twp great-great grandchildren. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, March 31 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Memphis Tennessee, where he was a long time member. Pastor Lane Reuter will officiate. The family will receive visitors prior to the service beginning at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Memorial Park on Poplar Avenue. Memphis Funeral Home, Poplar Chapel has charge. The family thanks the many friends of Fox Ridge Estate of Bryant who provided exceptional care and personal love for our dad for nearly eight years. Their loving care sustained him while struggling with Alzheimer's disease. The family also thanks the friends and staff of Arkansas Hospice who have also provided exceptional care for more than a year. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to Immanuel Lutheran Church Building Fund (6325 Raleigh LaGrange Road, Memphis, Tenn. 38134) or Arkansas Hospice (14 Parkstone Place, North Little Rock, Ark. 72116).