Robert Kremer, Sr.

What does a grandpa mean?

A grandpa embodies a unique blend of wisdom, experience, and unconditional love, often acting as a source of guidance, comfort, and fun. At least that's the kind of grandpa I had, and with a saddened heart I am announcing the passing of Robert (Bob) John Kremer Sr.. Bob passed away early in the morning on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, at the age of 83. Doctors were not able to give us a for sure answer on the cause of death, but we for sure know now he is at peace.

Bob was born July 17, 1942 in Perham, MN to Mathias Kremer and Geraldine (Tobkin) Kremer. He was the first born of nine children.

Growing up he lived in Perham till 1958, then Nevis from 1958-1965. He played football and basketball in school, and also was in the boy scouts. When his father was off at war he helped his mother with his eight siblings, and it taught him patience and appreciation for family. He was always a believer in achieving great things with hard work.

After high-school he met Sharon (Welander) Kremer and he fell in love, some would say it was love at first sight. They got married September 29, 1962, moved to Richfield, and started a family. They had two sons, Perry and Rob.

During the summer of 1966 Bob and Sharon moved to San Diego, California where he worked for Volkswagen. That's where his love for cars started. He collected many down the line of his life.

In November 1971 Bob and Sharon moved back to Minnesota, starting off in Centerville where he owned and operated Kelly's Bar. Then they moved to McGregor next to Big Sandy Lake. This is where son Rob finished high school.

Bob then moved his family to Pine City in 1984 where they bought their forever home. After the bar he wanted to do something different, so he owned and operated a gas station and he started his journey with KFC. He always had the businessman gene in him. KFC became his main focus and eventually he sold the gas station and put all of his energy, time, and knowledge into running an efficient restaurant.

In 1991, Bob and Sharon met their first born son, Perry, after spending years searching for him. Once he was reunited and families were merged, his heart was full, little did he know his heart could grow bigger.

In 1993 his son Rob and Angela Kremer gave life to a little girl, his first and only grandchild, his “Sunshine girl ” Sam.

In 2004, he bought his very first RV and started to travel with Sharon and Sam. Even though most of the trips were conferences for KFC and he was working, he could still find balance to make those trips rememberable.

In 2011 he became a great grandfather to Xander and then again in 2017 to Aleksia. Being a grandpa was very important to him, and he strived to make every memory with him one to remember for a lifetime.

In 2022 he lost his son Rob Kremer unexpectedly to cardiac arrest. This broke Bob and Sharon's hearts.

In 2024 Sharon passed away peacefully in their home, and also he had to finally let go of his KFC business.

"I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life." I also learned you need both. I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back. I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you, but if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you. I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I've learned that even when I have pains, I try not to be one. I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone, maybe just that touch on the back. I've learned that I still have a lot to learn."

-Bob

Bob is survived by his son Perry (Tien le) Jurek; granddaughter Samantha (Alex) Schmidt; great grandchildren Xander Schmidt, Aleksia Schmidt; sisters Karen Dewall, Jean Lyzhoft, Arlene (Scott) Kringle, Liz (Jeff) Hoelscher; brothers Mike (Uta) Kremer, Tom Kremer, Bill (Cyndi) Kremer; nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents Mathias and Geraldine Kremer; wife Sharon Kremer; son Robert Kremer Jr.; and sister MaryAnn Clark.

Deacon Gene Biever will officiate funeral services for Bob: 2:00 PM; Friday, (8/15) at the Swanson Funeral Chapel of Pine City with one hour of visitation for friends and family prior to the service. The interment will take place in Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Pine City.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the: Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City, Swanson Chapel

www.FuneralAndCremationService.com