John E. Kraeer III

John E. Kraeer III, 90, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2019 at his home at the Willows of Okemos in Okemos, Michigan.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

He was born July 31, 1928 to the late John E. and Margaret (Ballard) Kraeer in Midway, Pennsylvania.  After graduating from Midway High School (Fort Cherry School District), John worked at Joseph Horne’s Department Store in Pittsburgh and then joined the US Army and served honorably during the Korean War.  Following his military service, John enrolled at Michigan State University on the recommendation of a close Army friend.  Once he arrived, John felt a strong connection to MSU and never looked back.

A respected teacher and advisor, John worked first at Jackson High School and was then appointed as an Assistant Professor of Business Education at Michigan State University as a typing and shorthand instructor in the Broad College of Business.  During this time, he taught on-line and taped classes in typing and shorthand.  He so enjoyed sharing his love of teaching.  After the Business Education Program was eliminated, he worked in the Undergraduate Academic Services Office of the Broad College advising student athletes. 

He loved to cook, travel, attend Broadway plays, attend MSU football games and participate in school functions.  He played piano beautifully.  John loved to share memories of the past and always looked forward to his next adventure.

He will be lovingly remembered by his extended family, including cousin, Susan Stonebraker.  He leaves behind a legacy of wonderful, close relationships with many lifelong friends, neighbors, and coworkers – the Gene Orlando family, Dean James F. Rainey and Mrs. Alice L’Huillier; cousins: Nancy Sutter, Judy Kraeer and Bella Jane Klenik; and the caring people at The Willows at Okemos-AL.

A memorial service was held on May 17, 2019, at 12:30 PM at the MSU Alumni Memorial Chapel.

Interment will be private at Raccoon Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Bulger.

Memorial contributions may be made in John's honor to the MSU Men’s Tennis Program, Attn: Spartan Fund, 550 S. Harrison Rd., East Lansing, MI 48824, the Central Presbyterian Church, Box 563, Midway, PA 15060, or a charity of your choice. 

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