May 7, 2021

Samuel M. “Sam” Kraeer Jr., 75, of Washington, died unexpectedly Sunday, May 2, 2021.

He was born December 5, 1945, in Washington, a son of the late Samuel M. and Hilda L. Seal Kraeer Sr.

Mr. Kraeer was 1963 graduate of Trinity High School and a proud veteran of the U.S. Army where he served as an E-5 and pharmacy specialist in the 544th Medical Dispensary in Korea during the Vietnam War era. For his service, he was awarded the expert rifleman badge, Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

He was a self-employed farmer operating the Kraeer Farm and Dairy in Washington from 1962 until present and was a member of the Farm Bureau of Washington.

Mr. Kraeer enjoyed hunting, fishing, tractor pulling, his family and any child that he encountered. Always referring to him as “Pappy Sam” he always made sure he had candy to share.

Sam left us to be with his Lord on a beautiful Sunday afternoon on his farm, with his boots on, doing what he loved and what he dedicated his life to. The only thing that may have been stronger than his love for farming and his family quite possibly, could have been his work ethic and his word.

On May 17, 1966, he married Lorraine Philips Kraeer, who survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Paul S. Kraeer (DeeDee) of Washington, Matthew T. Kraeer (Bobbi Jo) of Eighty Four; a daughter, Julie A. Schultz also of Eighty Four; two brothers, Nelson Kraeer of Washington, Wayne Kraeer (Laurie) of Eighty Four; and a sister, Nancy Travis (Jay) of Taylorstown; six grandchildren, Matthew and Christopher Kraeer, Evan Seaman, Kayla Kraeer, Lilly Schultz and Mason Kraeer; and two great-grandchildren, Brooke and Owen Kraeer.

Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday and Monday in the Piatt and Barnhill Funeral Home, 420 Locust Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 11, with Rev. Fran Skariot officiating. Interment will follow in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies. Full graveside military rites will be accorded by the U.S. Army and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1810 of Brentwood. All funeral arrangements are entrusted to the John B. Greenlee Funeral Home, Beallsville. A guest book and personal condolences may be accessed at www.GreenleeFuneralHome.com