Kenneth Kremer

Kenneth Thomas Kremer, aviator, farmer, nurse, husband and father, died at Cass County Memorial Hospital (CCMH) on December 15th at age 97.

Born on his parents’ farm near Fullerton, Nebraska on September 17, 1917, Kenneth completed high school, farmed with his father for a time, and then earned a license to repair aircraft. During WWII he worked as a civilian, testing and delivering military aircraft all over the nation.

He married Virginia Lawton in September 1945 in San Bruno, California. He had roomed with her younger brother during aviation school in Lincoln, Nebraska in 1939.

Kenneth and Virginia had their first child, Thomas, in 1946 while he worked as a flight engineer flying post-war cargo to Japan. Later, after relocating his family to New York, he co-piloted an executive plane for the Arrow Shirt company.

The risks and absences of flying prompted Kenneth to return to farming in 1949, joining the Lawton Farm enterprise of Virginia’s father and brother outside of Lewis, Iowa. Their son Scott (1951) and daughter Jan (1958) were born in Atlantic. All three children enjoyed the rich benefits of a farm upbringing and the close-knit neighborhood of farm families. Kenneth’s diligent work ethic, commitment to service and quiet faith made him a respected farmer and valued community member, though he never aimed to draw attention to himself. Over sixty-five years in Iowa he volunteered in Farm Bureau, 4-H, the Methodist Church in Atlantic, the Atlantic Food Pantry, Hitchcock House, Heritage House, and the Lion’s Club.

Kenneth left farming in 1969 and began working as an orderly at CCMH. He excelled at nursing studies while working full time, earning his LPN in 1972. He was the first male nurse employed at CCMH. During his final days some thirty-two years after he retired, he was still fondly remembered by nurses who started their careers as his ended, and by others who remembered his compassionate care for their family members.

Kenneth and Virginia retired in 1982 and spent seventeen winters in south Texas among snowbird friends.

Kenneth’s experienced care supported Virginia through health complications until her death in 1999. A few years later he returned full time to the farm for his last years, assisted by son Scott living with him. His remarkable energy, strength, and famous head of curly black hair belied his age. As long as he was able, he continued to garden, harvest, store, and donate large amounts of produce to friends and local organizations. In 2010, virtually unaided, he replaced several hundred feet of field fencing, posts and wire, with his customary self- sufficiency.

He was unstoppable on his John Deere mower, completing the 2014 season before moving to Allen Place in November to enjoy the company of friends and someone else’s cooking. On December 6th he suffered a stroke and resulting pneumonia. He died peacefully at the hospital on the morning of December 15th with his children at his bedside supporting him with loving presence and prayers.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents and his only sibling, his sister Katherine Huddleston of Washington, D.C.

He is survived by son Thomas of Austin, Texas; son Scott of Lewis; and daughter Jan Horn (Richard) of Elgin, Texas. His descendants reach five generations to great-great grandson Damian Miller of Breckenridge, Colorado, born earlier this year.

Memorial services for Kenneth will be held Thursday, June 4, 2015, 3 p.m., at the First United Methodist Church in Atlantic. A reception will follow.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Atlantic or the Atlantic Food Pantry.

Roland Funeral Home is caring for Kenneth's family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com

IN MEMORY OF
Kenneth Kremer

BORN
September 17, 1917
Fullerton, Nebraska

ENTERED INTO REST
December 15, 2014
At the age of
97 Years, 2 Months & 28 Days
Atlantic, Iowa

CELEBRATION OF LIFE
3:00 p.m.
June 4, 2015
First United Methodist Church
Atlantic, Iowa

OFFICIANT
Reverend Lanette Plambeck

ORGANIST
Carolyn DeLay

VOCAL SOLOS
Jessica Parkison
“The Old Rugged Cross”
“Psalm 23”

CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS
“Worship the King”
“Great is Thy Faithfulness”
“Amazing Grace”

INTERMENT
Oakwood Cemetery
Lewis, Iowa

LUNCHEON
Kenneth’s family invites you to join them for a reception in the
fellowship hall immediately following the service.