Charles R. Kremla
Sep 19, 1948 – Mar 6, 2018
Preceded in death by parents, Mildred (Zacek) Kremla (1989) and Richard Kremla (1990). Survived by daughter-and son-in-law, Stephanie and Dustin Heng; brother, Mike Kremla; sister and brother-in-law, Fran and Jim Hoover and their children, PO1 Brandon Hoover (USN) and Alison Hoover; cousin, Larry Kremla (Shirley).
VISITATION: Saturday, March 10th from 9am to 10:30am at St. John Catholic Church at Creighton University, 2500 California, with MEMORIAL MASS to follow at 11am. Private Interment, Omaha National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Jesuit Academy, Josie Harper Hospice House, or Nebraska Humane Society.
<<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>>
Diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer in October of 2016, Charlie fought a courageous battle against the disease until his death on March 6, 2018.
Charlie loved his grand-dogs, Cooper (12) and Lola (6) and spoiled them every chance he got. They truly had him wrapped around their paws. They provided loving companionship to him during his illness while living with Stephanie and Dustin.
Charlie grew up in South Omaha and was a South Omaha Boy (SOB). He attended St. Rose Grade School and St. Joe High School (Class of 1966). He was a meter reader with OPPD, retiring in 2001 after 28 years of service. Following retirement, he worked for a number of years at Johnny Goodman Golf Course and most recently at Elmwood Golf Course, when his illness forced him to resign in the fall of 2017. As a teenager, he worked at Spring Lake Golf Course watering the greens at night. Those were the days before automatic sprinklers, so that meant many trips to the course each evening to move the sprinklers. That’s where he fell in love with the game of golf. He golfed all his life at many different courses, but Spring Lake was always “home” where he achieved a Hole in One on two separate occasions, Hole #6 and Hole #9. Stephanie also learned some early driving skills there driving the golf cart.
A letter from Uncle Sam arrived in 1969, inviting him to join the Army. He completed basic training at Fort Ord, California and was sent to Korea where he served as a Supply Clerk for the unit.
He made many lifelong friends through the “Vinton Commercial Club,” a local group made up of several merchants who had businesses on Vinton Street in South Omaha (Buzz Dworak, Larry Schneider, Carl Schratt, Len Jarecki, Jim and Joe Schneiderwind). For many years, several of them would take a fishing trip to Canada for two weeks. Charlie loved every minute of it.
Charlie volunteered for several years at Assumption Church and School, where Stephanie attended, and helped make dumplings for the annual Czech dinner. He also coached the seventh and eighth grade girls’ basketball teams, where he was known for his phrase, “Get Some Hands!” In addition, Charlie also volunteered at the Jesuit Middle School (now Jesuit Academy) concession stand for athletic events, providing refreshments and gate entrance assistance.
Our hearts are broken without you, but we are comforted in knowing that you are at peace and now pain free. Per Charlie’s wishes, his body was cremated after tissue donations were made to Nebraska Medicine, Pancreatic Cancer Research Studies. Private burial of ashes will be at the Omaha National Cemetery.
9 Comments
Stephanie I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad was a wonderful man and dear friend for over 50 years. He will be deeply missed.
Phyllis Orlando Macarthur – Council Bluffs IA
Charlie was a good friend to our family for over 50 years. Several of us played golf with him regularly in the Joe Theiler Golf League, and other events. He’ll be missed on Mondays for a long time.
Charlie we’re going to miss you. Here is a phrase you coined years ago. So it’s come to this.
Stephanie, my prayers and sympathy to you as you mourn your father’s absence from you. Keep his presence with you by telling your stories and fond memories about him.. I am sure he will be with you whenever you need him. I went to high school with your dad, but having left home right after graduation, I’ve only had contact with him over the years at some of our reunions. But I remember him to be a good guy, very kind. Be assured of my prayers especially during these very hard days.
Michael, I am sorry to hear about the death of your brother. My sympathies and prayers for you and your family at this sad time. Cherish your memories. May God bless you all.
Dear Stephanie: I am so sorry to learn about the loss of your Dad and our dear friend and classmate of St. Joe High. What a wonderful person Charlie was – all through our high school years and at our class reunions every 5 years. I will miss chatting with on the phone – Charlie will truly be missed. Stephanie, it was so good to visit with you. God Bless and grant you peace. Memories are precious – hold on to them.
Love
Kathy Schafer
I will cherish the spirited conversations in the backroom of the hardware store and will miss waving at him on green #2 at Spring Lake and (I forgave him for trying to hit my house from the tee box). Deepest condolences to the family.
My deepest sympathy to Charlie’s loved ones. He was a kind and gentle man with a giving heart. We went to St. Joe’s High School and I always enjoyed visiting with him at class reunions and other events. He will be in the hearts and memories of all whose path he crossed. God bless.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Charlies loved ones. We have fond memories of him from Assumption. May he rest in peace.
Margie & Jerry Becerra
Sign Guestbook