This morning a Go Fund Me was organized by CWEnder Harold Karabell with the goal of raising $100,000 for Dug Feltch who, together with his partner Bob Kramer, was co-owner of Bob Kramer’s Marionnettes in the 4100 block of Laclede, just west of Sarah. According to news reports, the partners were in the 2nd floor living quarters when a fire broke out on the first floor, where the theater was located. Tragically, Kramer did not survive.
In addition to the devastating loss of his partner, Master Puppeteer Feltch (shown below performing at a 2019 Holiday on the Plaza event) lost everything. Feltch has been the vice president of the West Pine-Laclede Neighborhood Association for many years, and members of the association started the fundraiser to assist their neighbor in his time of tremendous need.
Below are two posts, from 2012 and 2016, which will provide insight into the magnitude of this tragic loss, both of life and of this neighborhood treasure, which was the oldest running on-site puppetry theater in the country:
Nicki, thank you so much. for your service to this community. You are a CWE treasure 💕