Anthony "Tony" Cremers

Anthony Michael (Tony) Cremers was born on April 10, 1925, in St. Cloud, Minnesota the son of Anton and Catherine (Sauer) Cremers. He attended St. Anthony’s grade school and graduated from Cathedral High School in St. Cloud. After high school graduation in 1943, he entered the military service with the United States Army and was stationed in England, France and Germany. Following his discharge, he enrolled at St. John’s University in Collegeville, MN. He graduated with a BA Degree in 1950 and accepted a position as a social worker in Todd County. He also was employed in LaqQuiParle County and later began his career with the State of Minnesota where he continued employment until his retirement in 1987. Tony met his future wife, Peggy Andree in the course of his work for the State of Minnesota.

Tony and Peggy were married on August 4, 1956 at the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in St. Paul, MN. Following their marriage, Tony and Peggy moved to Alexandria where Tony was headquartered as he continued employment with the State of Minnesota. He represented the Commissioner of the State Department of Social Services in several counties of Minnesota, including Douglas County. The last few years of his employment were spent supervising local programs dealing with services to vulnerable adults. He retired in 1987.

Three children were born to this marriage, Mary in 1958, Anne in 1960, and Michael in 1962.

Tony joined the Alexandria Lions Club in 1963. He served on the Board of Directors, was secretary and was the long-time bulletin editor. He had the honor of being chosen a Melvin Jones Fellow by the club in 1995. Other recognition from the Lions included Lion of the Year, The Helen Keller Sight Award, and Appreciation Award, and Enthusiasm Award.

For 18 years Tony co-chaired the Caring and Sharing Room affiliated with the St. Mary’s Church and eight other congregations which provided basic household items for the needy in Douglas County. He was an usher captain for many years at St. Mary’s and was also a Hospitality Greeter at weekly mass. He was a long- time member of the Friends of the Library, where he was an enthusiastic volunteer.

Tony and Peggy had a love for travel and learning and were especially interested in the Elderhostel programs. They attended 24 programs in various parts of the country throughout their retirement years. They also traveled to Florida, Texas and Montana to visit their children.

Tony passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at the Minnesota State Veterans Home in Fergus Falls. He is survived by his wife, Peggy; their children: Mary Powell of Alexandria, Anne (Paul) Juel of Scobey, MT, Michael (Ruth) Cremers of Dallas, TX; 5 grandchildren, two great grandchildren; brother, John of Baxter, MN; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his siblings: Charles, MaryCay, Betty; step-siblings: Norbert, Gilbert, Thomas, Loretta, Sr. Margaret Claire OSB, Sr. Gilbert OSB, Wen and Madeline.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, 4:00 – 7:00 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home with a Parish Prayer Service at 4:00 PM. Visitation will continue on Thursday, June 12, 2025, 10:00 – 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery and Military Honors will be provided by the Alexandria Funeral Honor Guard and Minnesota Army National Guard. Memorials are preferred to Caring & Sharing Ministry or Alexandria Lions Club.