Gilbert U. Kraemer Jr.

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Fullerton Union High School Santa Clara University

Gilbert Kraemer Obituary

Kraemer Jr., Gilbert U. Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, and Friend. Gilbert U. Kraemer, Jr. died on January 13, 2009, after a lengthy illness. A proud 6th generation native Californian, Gil was born on July 13, 1931 in Anaheim, California. Gil graduated from Fullerton High School and Santa Clara University. During his youth, he excelled at diving, sailing and football. His professions ranged from citrus farming to real estate development. An international angler, Gil broke the world record for Pacific blue marlin in 1986. He was President of the Balboa Angling Club. Gil is survived by his wife, Diane. El Supremo was blessed with three sons, Jimmy, Paul, and Steve and one daughter, Leslie. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Christopher and Allison Todd; Mackenzie, Sidney and Riley Kraemer; and Warren, Coleman, and Claire Kraemer. Funeral services will be held at Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano, 31520 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, California at 10 a.m. on Monday, January 19. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated at The Billfish Foundation, 2161 East Commercial Blvd, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33308; or The Special Olympics.

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Published by Orange County Register from Jan. 16 to Jan. 18, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Gilbert Kraemer

13 Entries

Chrys nelson

February 28, 2025

I was a waitress at a club you were a member of. When I first laid eyes on Mr Kraemer I thought I was looking at Clark Gable. I was the youngest waitress there and most of them were crabby and mean to me. I confided to one of the waitresses who was from the South that I thought you looked like a GREEK GOD. Apparently she told you and everytime you saw me you blushed. I don't think your new wife liked me too much. I remember your son's were probably around my age but I noticed only didn't see a resemblance but believed compared to you they were a little bit in the dorky side. You were calm and serene. Suave. You had a private party and I was your waitress for about 50 people. You asked me if $50 was a good enough tip. I didn't want to embarrass you so I said yes. It wasn't but I didn't care because I got to be near you. I went on to work as a waitress at several more places including Beverly hills where I worked the Golden Globes, etc.... I became a school teacher and around 2010 I googled you for the first time. I was SOOO sorry you were gone. I often think about you and what a gentleman you were. Back then I had done some Kraemer family events but it wasn't until I went to the muckenthaler museum that I pieced things together about your genealogy. You are half Mexican/ Spanish and German. You were a very loving person during one of the most terrible times in my life. I will always remember you. XPISTINA

CJ Todd

January 26, 2009

This was part of the eulogy given at Gil Kraemer's Funeral by his grandson
Chris Todd

When I was first asked to speak today, I accepted whole heartedly but thought

"How could I possibly tell everything I wanted to about grandpa, everything I did with grandpa, heard about grandpa, seen grandpa do or seen pictures of what grandpa did?

But then my Mom told me, the service was going to be at the mission and any stories that may be borderline would not be allowed. So I thought what the heck this is going to a quick and easy.

Grandpa Gil or Gramps as he hated to be called, was a grandsons best friend. I have many special memories of our time spent together that will forever fly in and out of my days as they have for the past 27 years.

So as Grandpa Gil would always say, "Hey Hey Hey" , "Tell Me a Story!"

When I was around 8 years old my best friend Justin Meckley and I flew to Southern California by ourselves and visited Grandma Di and Grandpa Gil. As we were driving to their house in Laguna we stopped at the store to pick up some groceries for the few days we were there and they said "get whatever you want to eat."

I remember thinking "This is awesome."

By the end of our trip to the grocery store we had 3 days worth of Oreo cookies, candy, soda pop, cereal and of course , Lobster. To this Day Justin and I believe that was the best few days of eating and food we will ever have.

It was during these younger years that I remember just loving to be on Grandpas coat tails. I loved following him and being in his presence. Because there was never a dull moment and he knew everyone.

There were always people excited to see him. People cursing, yelling and making sure a handshake or hug were a step away. There were upstanding members of the community like Brooks Morris and Donnie Ward that would exchange dirty jokes, new words and stories that I would try and memorize so I could tell my friends back home. I listened to stories of "The Fish" that looked like a sea monster.

I heard of Baja California and grandpas stories of growing up, chasing girls, sailing on Balboa Island and courting Grandma Di. We would drive around, go to his office, stop by Alta Vista and swing by the Balboa Angling Club.

I feel tremendously fortunate to have had a loving grandfather that was bigger then life. Being with him and Grandma Di was always a special time. And whatever we did there was always laughter and love. His smile was contagious.

I remember exploring tidepools below Tablerock, him teaching me what to do in different oceans currents so I wouldnt drown, and always telling me to respect my elders and especially my parents. His thoughts on the outdoors were part of showing me the simpleness, beauty and tranquility that being in nature can bring someone. The sounds of waves crashing, or the magical sound of a fish striking a trolling lure will always make me remember him.

From fishing trips to kicking his butt on the golf course I grew older and so did he.

Our relationship became more honest and mature. He told me "to get my butt in Gear."more often.

Jokes turned into dirty jokes and learning dirty Spanish. Stories of how he grew up related back to what I should do and how I should treat others. He would say he was never the best person but to be true to your word and treat people as I wanted to be treated. He would say "your mother deserves the best" and be successful in what you want to do.

And as always when we would see each other, Grandpa Gil would always say "hey Hey Hey!" " Tell me a story".

So,

One year when I was finally old enough and had sold my parents on sponsoring me on the El Supremo trip to Palmas de Cortez. A true Kraemer/ Brennan right of passage. Coming off a boat the first day after fishing with Grandpa and catching two marlin a couple dorado we noticed two young gals on the beach.

He told me to "suck in my gut, sober up and go talk to them" but before I did make sure and take his gear up to the room.

Like everytime, everyone laughed

Grandpa gil's personality and persona were bigger then life. He possessed an attitude and a deamoner that could light up any room or place where he was. I loved watching him in action, making people laugh, and feel comfortable. His Smile and Laugh will always be there. His energy was contagious and will be remembered forever. If family and friends bring love and laughter then Grandpa Gil will always be the happiness that brought people together.

There were simple things that I always noticed about Grandpa. From the El Camino to his trademark style of sandals and socks. These were symbols of his personality. It wasnt what you had but what you were about.

Fishing trips and golf were a blessing. But it was a conversation at places like Aunt Bevs, on the back of a fishing boat or at the Swallows Inn that will stick out in our memories. Grandpa Gil will always be a Legend and there are many things in our lives that we cannot control and death is inevitable. But we all know Grandpa Gil will be watching us and future generations. Maybe he'll see us catch a trophy fish or tell an even bigger fish story. But I know he would say remember the good times, the laughter, the success after failure, but especially be thankful for your family.

Make sure you spend times with those you love and laugh. But most of all know that He is in Better Place. Because he enjoyed every moment with those he loved, us and those that have gone before us. And he will see us again when our time has come. We love you Grandpa and our lives are better because we had the gift of knowing you and loving you.

Diane Torre

January 24, 2009

Dear Diane and Family

So sorry to read of Gil's passing - I will NEVER FORGET our evening at your home for a GREAT dinner and MANY cocktails - We had such a good time that lasted all night long. = You two always reminded me of movie stars.
I will never forget the fun we had fishing the LADIES BILLFISH TOURNAMENT we had too much fun even though we did not catch a fish.
God Bless You and Your family

Love, Diane Torre

Susan Herndon

January 22, 2009

About 15 years ago I had the privledge of working on a 20' banner project for a family reunion that he was in charge of. He was so intent to get all the details right. He sure loved his family and the banner turned out just as he wanted it!! I even got some flowers as Thank You from him (a first in my sign-painting business). Gil Kraemer was just alot of fun to know and I'm sorry that he has passed. Our sympathy to the family.

Bob da Silva

January 19, 2009

Gil was one of those rare people that got every last drop of satisfaction from his life. He lived life to the fullest, enhanced the life experiences of those around him, and has certainly left a long list of people who morn his passing.

Wayne Wedin

January 18, 2009

Doretta and I always found Gil to be outgoing and friendly to everone and did much to make OC a better place. He will be missed. Good fishing!

Lawrence Swenson

January 18, 2009

Diane and Family,
My memories go back to 1944 when Gil and I first met at the Fullerton High School Plunge, we were both just out of 8th grade, and were preparing to try to get on the Swim Team. During High scool we had some great times together, then after we had families of our own later in life one of my routines was to stop by Gil's office on Alta Vista to sling a little bull and talk fishing or real estate. after I moved to Hawaii every time I visited the grandkids I also made it a point to visit Gil at the little office. It was a pleasant week whe you two visited me and my Diane here on the Island of Molokai, we had a good time. We are sorry we didn't have more opportunity in the past few years to visit. Gil will be missed by all and there is no question that he was one of the most outstanding friendly and humble persons we have ever had the pleasure of being friends with. Our condolances and the best to you and the family.
Larry and Diane

Michael & Kim Fowlkes

January 17, 2009

Diane, Michael and I feel so lucky to have met you and Gil at the Landfields house a couple years back. I am sure you have great and many memories of your life with Gil. He made a lasting impression on us with just his humor and stories, I can only imagine what it would have been like on one of his fishing trips with the boys to Mexico. Our thoughts are with you .

Thomas Nielsen

January 17, 2009

The Gil Kraemer Family,

A deep sorrow arose in me when I learned of Gil's death today.

While we did not stay in close touch over the years, I have very fond memories of our days together at FUHS.

Please accept this email as an expression of my sorrow for your loss.

Sincerely,

Thomas H Nielsen
Class of 1948

Sharon Diffley and Stu Heisler

January 16, 2009

Diane, Our deepest sympathy to you and the family. Gil was one-of-a-kind and will be affectionately remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Jackie Murray

January 16, 2009

Diane and family: Gil was one of the special people in this world. I know he and Jim are in heaven fishing for the big one. My love to you and your family.

Barbara Shirreffs

January 16, 2009

It was always a treat when Gil would visit Al Gobar's office when we were in Brea. He was such a good-humored guy that made all the employees laugh. I've worked for Dr. Gobar for many years and know that Gil and Dr. Gobar were great friends. I've really missed having him pop into our offices like he used to. My deepest condolences to the entire family.

Michele Tracy

January 16, 2009

Diane and Family, Uncle Gil will be sorely missed, as he has been during his long illness. I will always remember his great parties and always sincere hugs. Even with all the cousins, nieces, nephews and various hangers-on, he always knew which family you belonged to and most times even your name. To lose him is a shame but at least we'll still have our memories of his joyful self.

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