Bernard E. Kremers

Bernard (Bernie) E. Kremers, age 68, of Benton Harbor passed away Friday, November 7, 2008 after a courageous six-month battle with cancer. A service celebrating his life will be held on Tuesday, November 11 at 10 a.m. at St. Mathew’s Lutheran Church, Colfax and Kline, Benton Harbor with the Rev. Martin Weigand officiating. Visitation will be held on Monday from 4-7 p.m. at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorial donations may be made to St. Matthews Lutheran Church, Michigan Lutheran High School or Berrien County Cancer Service. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book on line may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Bernie was born July 13, 1940 in Benton Harbor to Carl and Wanda Kremers. He married Myrth M. Eber on July 8, 1961 in Benton Harbor. As an automotive supply salesman for 34 years, Bernie made many friends in this three-county area. He had previously been employed at Clark Equipment. Bernie served in various positions on the St. Matthews Lutheran Church council, most recently as an elder. For many years Bernie’s favorite hobby was fishing. Recently his pastime was restoring classic cars as well as being an active member of the Southwestern Michigan Car Collectors. Above all, Bernie enjoyed and encouraged the many activities of his children and grandchildren. In addition to his wife Myrth, Bernie is survived by his children Kayleen (Hans) Stuhldreer and Karl (Susan) Kremers and four grandchildren, Max and Elisabeth Stuhldreer, Erik and Jakob Kremers and brother C. Jerrold (Patsy) Kremers, nieces Nina (Charlie) Crew, Cindy (Gary) Howie, Karen (David) Cochran, Kathy (John) Wilcox and nephew Michael (Christine) Kremers and 13 great nieces and nephews and other loving relatives. Bernie was preceded in death by his mother and father, his oldest brother William Kremers, sister-in-law Elsie Kremers and his niece Carla Kremers.