Obituary of Walter Kevin Kraemer

Walter Kevin Kraemer, known to family and friends as “Kevin”, of Washington, NJ, was born to Mary Lynn Stapleton (Massaker) and Walter Steffens Kraemer on January 12, 1963 in Suffern, NY.  Kevin prided himself on being a sweet and easy baby who never cried.  Growing up mostly in New York and New Jersey, attending Pequannock High School, he did venture out and experience different parts of the country.  He lived in California, Florida and Pennsylvania, but for the last decade of his life, he was settled in New Jersey.  Kevin loved New Jersey and New York sports teams, rooting for the New York Yankees, New York Giants, New Jersey Devils and the New Jersey Nets.  When the Yankees won the World Series three years in a row, he bought every hat and t-shirt they made.  In addition to sports, Kevin was an avid collector of comic books and action figures, always appreciating the artwork and the written word.  Most are not aware, but Kevin was a poet, writing deep and thoughtful pieces.  To many, he was very quiet, but he was taking it all in.  He was always drawn to how people behaved, how they thought, how their minds worked.  It would only make sense that he would find himself working in behavioral health.  Kevin worked at Hagedorn State Psychiatric Hospital for many years, working with the adult and geriatric populations, always going to whatever unit needed him.  Everyone who worked at “The Hag” enjoyed working with Kevin, not only for his quick wit and biting humor, but also for his strong work ethic and dependability.  Kevin was employed by the state of New Jersey for 15 years before retiring.  When he wasn’t working, he was listening to music and reading and absorbing the lyrics.  He loved all genres of music and was moved by so many musicians and their songs.  He also had a voracious appetite for reading books about bands and the music industry.  His music history knowledge was unparalleled.  His favorites were the bands from his youth.  They would remind him of the times when he and his friends would rent a cottage at the beach and work the boardwalk of Seaside Heights.  Kevin was the happiest he ever was when he was swimming in the ocean and tasting the salt water on his lips.  Kevin is in heaven now, pain free, catching waves and feeling the sun on his face.

Kevin is survived by his children, Jessica O’Dougherty and her husband, Matthew, of Lake Hopatcong, NJ, Sarah Rhiannon Kraemer, Grace Lily Kraemer and Matthew Kevin Kraemer, of Wilson, PA, and two grandchildren, Ziva Ramirez and Zayne O’Dougherty.  He is also survived by his sister, Jennifer Stapleton and her daughter, Madison Stapleton, of Little Ferry, NJ and his brother, Sean Stapleton of North Arlington, NJ, his mother, Mary Lynn Stapleton and her husband, Robert Stapleton of Little Ferry, NJ and his father, Walter Steffens Kraemer and his wife, Judith Ann Kraemer of Pompton Plains, NJ.

Arrangements are entrusted to Tuttle Funeral Home, 272 State Route 10, Randolph, NJ 07869.  Online condolences may be offered at https://tuttlefh.com/.