Mildred Eileen Kraemer passed away in Hot Springs, S.D. on January 27, 2026, 17 days shy of her 103rd birthday. Mildred was a long-time resident of Rapid City with her husband, Ray J. Kraemer.

She was born on February 13, 1923 in New York City to Fred and Louise Fetterroll. Mildred grew up in New York City, where her parents operated Fetterroll’s ice Cream Soda & Candy shop. She graduated from high school in 1939. Mildred became an accomplished seamstress in her youth as well as a ballroom dancer. It was at the Rosalyn Ballroom during the war, that she met her future husband, Raymond J. Kraemer. She overheard other servicemen betting that she would not accept a dance from Ray, so she decided to prove them wrong. He danced with her, accompanied her home and was shipped out to Europe the next day. They kept in touch through letters during the war. On Mother’s Day she received a dozen red roses with the inscription: Miss Fetterroll, Happy Mother’s Day. Speculation from neighbors was high, as she was young and unmarried! As it turns out, Ray’s own mother had passed away, and the Army was offering to send flower’s to soldier’s mothers, but he had them sent to Mildred instead.

Mildred and Raymond married in New York City on April 13, 1946. In January of 1947 they had their first, child, Boyd. Later that year they decided to leave New York City and travel west to Ray’s family farm, which had no electricity or running water, quite a shock for a city girl! After several short stays in different towns, they decided to head to Salt Lake City, Utah, however, they ran out of money near the Badlands and settled in Rapid City in 1948. In April of 1950, their daughter Wrenae was born and in January, 1953 their son, Bruce.

Mildred was a dedicated homemaker and in the 1960’s used her excellent sewing skills to make custom draperies for Wamsley’s and then privately in her home. She was a very crafty person, and took on many sewing and stitchery projects. She was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Rapid City and actively taught water aerobics at the YMCA.

Her family and friends have been fortunate to have Mildred in their lives for so long - she will be missed. Survivors include her three children: Boyd (LuAnn), Bullhead City, AZ, Wrenae (Frank), Fairview, TN, Bruce, Hot Springs, SD, ten grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren.

Mildred was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Charles and husband, Raymond.

Interment will be at the Black Hills National Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at Canyon Lake Park - Shelter Two.