Robert Bruce Kremers

Robert Bruce Kremers, 94, died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, January 27, 2022. Memorial services are pending at McLaren’s Chapel in West Des Moines and burial will be at Resthaven Cemetery with Marilyn.

Bob was born on December 30, 1927 to John Harold Kremers and Margaret Sybil (Crocker) in Des Moines, IA. He married the woman that captured his attention in class at Central High School on September 9, 1950. They were married for over 67 years before Marilyn passed away in 2018. They were devoted to each other. He owned a vintage Oldsmobile convertible that they enjoyed cruising around in with the top down. They traveled the world together seeing such great sights as Alaska, the Panama Canal, and numerous countries in Europe. Family vacations were always fun with numerous trips to Minnesota and Lake of the Ozarks to go fishing and boating. Their later years were spent traveling to spend time with their children and grandchildren.

Bob, as he was known to his many friends and family, was very friendly, outgoing and enjoyed company. One of his main reasons in moving to Scottish Rite was to be surrounded by friends. He loved playing cards, especially pitch and cribbage and shared many spirited games with friends at Scottish Rite and his sons. He looked forward to his lunches at Machine Shed with the “Roosters”; that group always made him chuckle. Bob loved to watch and attend sporting events with the Chiefs, KC Royals, Iowa Cubs, KU, ISU, University of Iowa, University of Nebraska, Drake to name a few of the teams he followed and for which he cheered. He was an equally avid supporter of his children and grandchildren.

Bob also attended South Dakota State College and the University of Nebraska at Omaha from where he graduated with a degree in business and engineering administration. He served in the Army twice; at the end of WWII and the Korean War. He was honorably discharged as a sergeant. He worked for International Harvester Co. in Omaha and Columbus, NE, Northwestern Bell Telephone Co. in Sioux City, IA, and American Telephone and Telegraph in Des Moines. After retirement from AT&T, he worked for H&R Block helping people figure out their taxes. Bob has always been very involved in charitable groups in the community and always served willingly wherever and whenever he was needed.

Bob was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church, currently Westminster Presbyterian in Des Moines. He served as a Deacon, Trustee and member of the Session. He was also a member of Westgate Adelphic Lodge, Scottish Rite, and ZA GA Zig Shrine, the Mobile Nobles, and the Past Masters Club of which he served as Grandmaster. He was also a long time Sertoma member and very involved with numerous community events through the club. He particularly enjoyed grilling chicken and hot dogs at the annual picnic, volunteering where needed and helping children by selling onions. He loved to be busy and to help people.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn; three brothers, John E., James H., and Kenneth D., and his parents. He is survived by his daughter, Janet of Clive, IA; sons; William (Deborah) of Shawnee, KS and Robert (Jane) of Omaha, NE; seven grandsons, Andrew and Stephen Dillenburg, and Adam, Kyle, Neal, Alec and Reece Kremers; and six great-grandchildren, Gus, Emma, Adrienne, William, Izett and Sloane.

Memorials may be sent to the Shriners Hospital for Children.