Michael C. Kraemer, age 60, of Deland, passed away peacefully on May 23rd surrounded by his family. He was a devoted husband to Bonita for 27 years. Loving father of Katie Kraemer, Cindy Kraemer, Christina (Saurin) Mehta, Travis (Jessica) Kraemer and Douglas Kraemer. Proud grandfather to Evan, Coen, Drew, Emerson, and Amelia. Dear brother to Mark (Terri) Kraemer and the late Lynne Kraemer; and friend to so many.

Mike was born on December 6, 1953 in Pontiac, MI to proud parents Mary Margaret and Clifford Kraemer. He graduated from St. Mary's of Redford in Detroit, MI and went on to study at Lawrence Technical University in Southfield, MI. In the 1970s he started out in the thrill-ride theme-park business and eventually found his calling in motorsports. Racing was his passion, both personally and professionally. He was a racing enthusiast who not only built his own race car, but also raced it in the 1994 SCCA Indy Regional Race, naturally taking 1st place. At work, he was always the consummate tire expert, but his vast knowledge of cars led to a long and diverse career within the racing industry.

Mike was a man of many talents, vast knowledge and endless interest in all things. First and foremost, he was an avid reader with an insatiable curiosity. Baseball was one of his many passions; it began with a short stint in the minors, then professional umpiring, and culminated when he passed on his love of the sport by coaching his sons' teams. His spare time was also spent in his shed, endlessly tinkering on his antique Volvo and Corvair. He found great joy in antique cars and hanging with his Sunday night car show buddies. He also found a home away from home with his friends from Jc's Bike Shop and loved gliding along mile after mile with his cycling friends. There was no limit to what Mike could do; he was self-taught at everything. No mountain was too high. Especially if he could race over it on his bicycle.

But, all these passions lay secondary to his unwavering faith in God. Mike's humble nature and patient christian example is his legacy. Before moving to Florida he was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Illinois, teaching adult Sunday school, and then Immanuel Lutheran Church in Indiana, where he served as worship assistant. He continued his devotion to God as an active member of Hope Lutheran Church in Daytona. He was happiest when playing gospel music on his guitar -- combining his passion for music with church -- leading others in making a joyful noise to The Lord.