Martin Robert Kraemer, age 77, born August 10, 1949, a devoted Christian, visionary builder, dedicated business owner, capable golfer, and the deeply loved rock of his family, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, after a fearless battle with a glioblastoma brain tumor.
The war against cancer was in actuality fought for him by his wife Linda, his five children, and assisted by his entire community. Through 2 brain surgeries, and 3 weeks of radiation and chemotherapy at UW Hospital, he was always calm, unafraid, non-demanding, and perhaps in a 4-month state of blissful unawareness of the seriousness of his illness. We thank God for that.
Marty leaves behind a profound legacy carved both into the projects he helped build and more so into the lives of those he loved so fiercely. As a master builder and businessman of Kraemer Brothers, Plain, to the 2nd and now 3rd generation, he approached his work and personal life with unwavering integrity, honesty and positivity.
Marty, during the Vietnam War era, served in the Army National guard from 1970 to 1976. On Veterans Days, more than once, he went into his grandkids classrooms to talk about this and did so with much pride.
He was a steadfast father who taught by example instilling values of kindness, grit and devotion to his children. As a grandpa, he was an absolute treasure, always ready to join in their play: building block towers for them to quickly topple over as soon as they arrived: encouraging outside activity like golf, whiffle ball, baseball, shooting hoops, water fun and snow skiing. He even built a backyard volleyball court with concrete standards in the ground.
There was always time for a friendly yet competitive game! His life was anchored by his connection to his Lutheran church that he became a part of because he saw how important it is to worship and serve as a family.
His generosity to others was unending, never wanting or expecting thanks or credit.
Marty grew up in the small town of Plain with 8 other siblings born to Alfred and Helenmarie Kraemer. He was closely connected to many of the kids of his neighborhood, and high school friends who gathered after retirement for “choir” practice where they never sang a note. Their music was notes of high school were all sports legends.
Marty and his wife, Linda Longseth, were high school sweethearts which began when he was voted to the 5-man football Homecoming court and needed a date. Later they started college at UW Platteville but transferred to other schools after 1 year; Marty to Oshkosh and Linda to La Crosse. The years in between high school graduation and their marriage on Jan. 15, 1972, were not always together. However, God had a plan and that was for them to forge a union that resulted in 5 children and 9 grandchildren.
Marty labored for Kraemer Brothers most of his life, learning the jobs with his cousins in the shop and on building projects. He soon became a rough and then a finish carpenter with skills honed from his uncle’s Linus and Bob Kraemer and others in the field.
While recuperating from a leg injury while almost singlehandedly building his first family home, he went into the office to learn estimating from the very best teacher, his father Alfred. He remained there as a dedicated project manager until his retirement at the end of 2010 and with others built the scope of the growing KBI company, to Midwest and some out of state prominence and excellence.
Marty was very proud of his German ancestry. After retirement, he was instrumental in tracing the Peter and Walburga Kraemer line back to Irlach Germany. We have the wall sized charts which clearly trace the connections to his roots. He shared this information with anyone who was similarly interested and was delighted to do so.
He honored his Catholic heritage when carrying out extensive restoration of the old St. Luke’s Cemetery in Plain, WI. and the Pleasant Hill cemetery on Hwy B outside Plain.
Marty is survived by his wife, Linda Longseth Kraemer: children, Tara (Patrick) Mahoney, Ross (Aimee), Heather (Matthew) Brickl, Marc (Kristin Edquist) and Kyle (Stephanie) Kraemer. Grandchildren, Cole (Anna), Brock (Haley Kellenberger), and Josie Mahoney: Juniper Kraemer and her sister, Clementine: Morgan (Kale Lissy), Blake (Bella Baenen), Grant and Bo Brickl: Austin, Emma and Elsa Zellmer and beloved furry companions of his kids including Thor, Butler and Briggs, and the grand kitties of Kyle and Steph.
Marty learned to tolerate and even enjoy their presence. Siblings are Patricia Czechanski, Karl (Kris), Kevin (Diane), Doug (Stephanie), Kraemer, Camille (Tim) Murphy, Lois (James) Schweiss and Maureen Kraemer.
Marty was predeceased by many beloved family members from both the Kraemer and Longseth sides, too numerous to list, but who were nonetheless, much loved, missed and respected.
Our family wants to thank the community of friends and family who have supported us with meals, cards, prayers, hugs and words of support over our 4-month final journey with Marty. Special thanks to caregivers at Home Instead who physically helped with his in home care. They sent us Samira, our Somalian angel, who we now love like family, though she was only in our lives for a few weeks. AGRACE was only engaged for a week, but they were very helpful also. “Life is not a race- but indeed a journey. Be honest. Work hard. Be choosy. Drink good wine. Golf. Love your life and what you have been given. Search for purpose and do it the very best you can, Appreciate the little things in life and truly enjoy them as Marty did. Recognize the special people you’ve been blessed to know.” Paraphrased from Bonnie L Mohr.
Visitation for Marty Kraemer is Sunday, November 15, from 2-5 pm and Monday, November 16, from 9:30 am to the 11:00 am time of service at Christ Lutheran Church in Spring Green. A military burial will be held at Big Hollow Cemetery; the cemetery that Marty was instrumental in modernizing on Big Hollow Road in Spring Green. A luncheon at the church will follow the burial.
Please, in lieu of flowers: Suggested memorials are to Christ Lutheran Church, Spring Green (where he used his carpentry skills in countless ways including building 3 large, crafted crosses): River Valley Athletic or Music Boosters, (his alma mater as well as most of his kids and grandkids): or a charity that is important to you. Marty believed in paying it forward. Online condolences available at www.staffordfuneralhomes.com The Richardson-Stafford Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.