Ursula Margaret Kremer

My mom, a wife, a grandmother, but most assuredly a mother, passed away this Wednesday, February 11, 2015. Time slowly caught up with her and passed her by... a stroke... and just like that she was gone. The brass ring? The disappointments and pains that pursued her late in life, vanquished... a piece of peace.

Ursula Margaret Kremer was born in Meldorf, Germany, the daughter of Ernst and Helen Koester. There she lived over the family's neighborhood department store until the age of 10. At that time they immigrated to the United States in search of opportunity. They settled in Davenport, Iowa. “Flash” Koester graduated from Davenport High School in 1937. Later she worked as a secretary for Red Jacket Pump and then, in 1950, for the United States Army stationed in Germany.

Upon returning to the States she worked in the family linoleum store where she met a young carpenter, Nicholas C. Kremer. They were married on December 29, 1955. Together they operated his business, raised three boys and made a home.

My mother enjoyed growing African violets, traveling, spending time in the garden, bird watching and picnicking. A round of golf “with the ladies” was great fun and swimming, riding bikes and taking strolls through the park kept her fit and smiling. She would always go camping with the “boys”, but I believe it was more out of a sense of duty rather than for pure, shear pleasure... So, Kudos Mom! She appreciated creativity and made sure we were exposed to the arts and crafts... Always visiting galleries and showing us how to make masterpieces that adorned our walls and windows filling our lives with color. She loved having her children and grandchildren work with her in the kitchen where countless cookies were baked and eaten. I will miss the times sitting around the table pitting cherries knowing that bowls of cherry Grütze with cream was just hours away.

It wasn't unusual to find her doodling, drawing or painting, especially early on. She rarely shared her works (not thinking they were up to snuff). More the pity, as her pieces always filled me with great joy.

When life slowed her down she found pleasure in watching her Saturday evening British sitcoms, Monarch of the Glenn and Doc Martin (she had many converts). And I would be remiss if I didn't mention her complete devotion to Days of Our Lives, 1965 to the present... Everyone knew not to call during that hour... Or there would be consequences. =)

Mom was a member of the German American Heritage Society of Davenport, Iowa. She remembered her roots fondly.

But, most importantly, the thing that gave her breath and light was being a mother and a grandmother. She was a mother through and through.

Mom was preceded in death by her parents (Ernst and Helen), husband Nick and dear son, David.

Ursula is survived by her two sons and their families; John and Yu with son Oliver; Nick and Sue, with his daughters Brieanne (John) Ryckert and Shannon Mandsager, and her two children Brian Venhorst and Brooke (Joe) Eastburn. Ursula had 6 great grand children and one on the way.

A memorial gathering will be held at a later time... When the earth awakens and the flowers begin to bloom. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rungemortuary.com.