I just got word that Jack Kraemer passed away this evening after a brief battle with cancer. A long-time Hoosier, Jack was a racefan's racefan and was anxiously looking forward to the 2011 race season. Our paths didn't cross all that often: the TnT show at Lakeside; the occasional trip to ISW, where Jack was gracious enough to share his home with us; and of course, Belleville. One of his lines that I remember best: "Down in front - this ain't a NASCAR race!" I know life goes on, but Belleville certainly won't be the same without Jack's Camp Thirsty.
With heavy hearts tonight, we will miss you Jack at the races. Jade will miss you and the chicken livers, also.
R.I.P. Jack.
He was the nicest guy one could ever meet at the races.
Love Bob, Monica and Jade
That's really sad to hear. I'll miss Jack a lot. I got to see quite a few races with him over the last several years. I'm now especially grateful that I got to see all three days of the Gold Crown (an epic three day racing event) with Jack. And you always learned something when you saw a race or talked with him for a while. That's what I'll remember most about Jack Kraemer. R.I.P.
Jerry
A man is about as big as the things that make him angry.
I'm absolutely devastated! I was going to call Jack tomorrow because he didn't come to DuQuoin. I just put his Christmas card away yesterday. He always had the card with Santa in a sprint car. He had said in his card that he would be at DuQuoin, but I guess he must have been ill. I'm sorry that I didn't call him the next day when he didn't come to the midget race. He was a long time friend and introduced me to many people. Terre Haute won't be the same without Jack's familiar van under the shade tree.
I got the call about Jack last evening. It took me totally by surprise.
I knew of his cancer,but in worse case I thought he had at least a few months left in him. Maybe even a race or two.
He will be sorely missed by us. All the years and all the races will be cherished in my memories for ever.
I'm so sorry to read this this morning. I've been thinking about Jack and Toots alot since we heard recently about his health issues. It was always a pleasure to see Jacks' smiling face at the race tracks throughout the season and hangout with him to hear his stories and share a few cold ones. Terre Haute will never be the same for me now.
Condolences to Toots, his family and friends.
I am so sad to hear about Jacks passing. RIP Jack. 1st THAT race of the year I will be at the Clauson estate with a couple of boxes of chicken livers and we will have 'em in Jacks memory
John Hoover
“To whom little is not enough, nothing is enough.” Epicurus
