Norman Irving Kremen

Norman Irving Kremen, 98, beloved husband of the late Harriet Kremen, née Gordon, married for 58 incredible years; loving father of Julie Kremen and Gary Kremen; cherished grandfather of Isaac, Ethan, Abraham, and Gideon Kremen; loving partner-in-family to Sarah "Essy" Stone; dear brother of Dorothy Diamond, née Kremen; loving uncle to five nieces and nephews; son of the late Julius Kremen and Diana Kremen, née Porwancher. Norman was a treasured educator, mentor, and friend to many.

Norman proudly served in the U.S. Army Air Forces. A lifelong educator, he devoted more than 30 years to the Chicago Public School system, serving as a teacher, Assistant Principal of Stockton Elementary School, and Principal of Pullman Elementary School. He attended Edward Tilden Career Community Academy High School, earned his undergraduate degree from Roosevelt University in Chicago, and completed graduate studies at the University of Denver.

Norman possessed an extraordinary mind and memory. He and his wife Harriet traveled extensively, visiting over 100 countries together, and he could list each one alphabetically. He also took his children to all 50 states, believing deeply in learning through experience.

A world-class Rummikub player, Norman played with focus, strategy, and joy, and he took special pleasure in teaching others how to play. He also loved Bridge, which he played regularly with Harriet, as well as Sudoku, crossword puzzles, and word games. Known for his warmth and humor, he always carried jokes in his wallet and delighted in sharing them.

Norman was an avid ham radio operator, exceptionally handy, and a natural problem-solver. He taught driver education earlier in his career and remained active and independent well into later life, driving until age 95. He also served as a Cub Scout Scoutmaster, offering steady guidance and encouragement to young people.

Chapel service Friday at 12:00 p.m. at Chicago Jewish Funerals, Skokie Boulevard, Skokie. Interment Westlawn. To attend the funeral livestream, please visit our website. Shiva at the family home in Lincolnwood on Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hadassah-Midwest Ketura.

May his memory be for a blessing.

Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals-Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com