William J. Kraeger

HERKIMER - William J. Kraeger, 88, of Shells Bush Road, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at his residence.

Affectionately known as Bill, he was born on Mohawk Hill, Town of West Turin, on December 1, 1936, a son of Henry J. and Gertrude Zimmer Kraeger. He grew up on the Kraeger homestead farm, near Constableville, receiving his education in a rural school on Mohawk Hill, before graduating from Constableville High School with the Class of 1955. Thereafter, he operated the Kraeger family farm for 10 years, before relocating to the Town of Steuben, where he operated a dairy farm on Williams Road in the hamlet of Steuben Valley for several years until selling his farm to his son, Hobart and his wife Jean.

Later, he moved to his present home on Shells Bush Road, Herkimer, where he had lived for many years. He was a member of Construction Workers Union Local 190, where he was employed for several years on building construction sites in central New York.

Although Bill "retired" from farming, he will be fondly remembered for his weather and nature wisdom, which stemmed from growing up on Mohawk Hill and for his love of the outdoors and gardening. In many ways he "never got off the farm," and was a noted accomplished gardener, who was able to raise healthy blueberry bushes, tart cherry and peach trees at his residence.

Bill enjoyed bowling in many leagues/tournaments through his years. He also had a love for playing Pitch with family and friends at gatherings, and was often found enjoying a cup of coffee at Stewart's with his buddies getting the town gossip.

Mr. Kraeger was of the Catholic faith and he had attended St. Mary's Church, Constableville, St. Leo's Church, Holland Patent, and St. Francis DeSales Church, Herkimer.

He is survived by his children, Hobart Kraeger and his wife Jean, Holland Patent, NY, daughter-in-law, Tracey Kraeger, Barneveld, NY, Audrey Armstrong, Hanover, MD, Samual Kraeger and his wife Arlene, Rome, NY; Rebecca Olejarczyk and her husband Robert, Newport, NY, Gretchen Kent and husband David, Hubert, NC, James Kraeger and his wife Andrea, Brockport, NY, and Crystal Coyne and her husband Mike, Carmel, NY. Bill was predeceased by a son, Ralph Kraeger, in 2007.

Also surviving are 19 grandchildren, Margaret, Walter, Erwin, III, Jonathon, Ryan, Stephanie, Kimberly, Victoria, Travis, Jessica, Sarah, Cameron, Brandon, Meaghan, Melissa, Kevin, Caiden, Tinley and Declan; and 12 great-grandchildren, Erwin IV, Alton, Jace, Seth, Wesley, Syrius, Lucas, Liam, Eric, Rudolf, Lynette and Roslyn.

The last of his family, Bill was predeceased by four brothers, Robert, Donald, Bernard and Gerald.

His family would like to thank Kathryn (Kate) Knewasser "for all the love and time you spent with our dad taking him to many doctors appointments, out to lunch and on car rides to enjoy the views that upstate NY has to offer. All the kindness, which you showed to our dad, is greatly appreciated."

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a graveside service on Monday, April 28, 2025, at noon, at St. Mary's Cemetery, Constableville, with a celebration of Bill's life to follow at the Constableville Fire Department, Main St. Constableville.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary's Cemetery, Constableville, or to Constableville Fire Company, PO Box 438, Constableville, NY 13325.

His arrangements are in care of Trainor Funeral Home, Inc., 143 Schuyler St., Boonville, NY.

For an on-line message of sympathy, please go to www.trainorfuneralhome.com.