Dan was born to Johannes and Bertha (Stickel) Schremser, at home on a cold prairie in Tuttle, North Dakota. He passed away as he’d chosen, in the warm home of his daughter Kay and husband Glen, surrounded by his devoted family, in Bremerton, Washington.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 56 years, Ruth (Schiefelbein), his parents, and sister Inez Webber. He leaves behind four cherished children Daniel C. Schremser (Sue), Kay Oesterhaus (Glen), Lori Stoner (Allen), and Kurt Schremser (Ginger); 8 precious grandchildren, Sydney Theil (Todd), Erin Studt (Greg), Qwyn Schremser, Kristal Penner (Josh), Chloe Stoner, Lacee Ness, Jacob Ness, and Nathan Schremser; 5 treasured great-grandchildren, Finna Theil, Oliver Studt, Charleyanne Studt, Josephine Studt and Gregory Studt Jr; and two caring sisters Penny Jacinto and Emma Storm, along with several dear nieces and nephews.
As we mourn his passing we take time to reflect on the life of a great man. Raised in the Dakotas, he was surrounded by animals and beautiful landscape though his family was very poor. After eighth grade it was necessary for him to leave school and split his time between working on his parent’s and grandparent’s farms. At age 17 he enlisted in the US Coast Guard where he served during WWII and the Korean Conflict. He considered these to be the years that opened his eyes to the world. His service included the countries of Japan, China, Korea, and other Pacific islands, along with Alaska and the Bearing Sea.
After his honorable discharge, he worked for the Blackball Ferry Line as a pilot on the ferry Kalakala. Later, he worked at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard as an Electrician Helper and retired as a Planner and Estimator after more than 35 years of civil service. He continued working as a contractor, in a supervisory role, for the battery shop at Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Keyport. Being a product of the Great Depression, Dan understood the value of a dollar and the importance of saving. His “waste not, want not” attitude was reflected in how he lived; tinkering in his workshop, repairing what most of us would just throw away, and being content with what he had. Dan possessed the gift of gab and never turned anyone away who wanted to talk. He would keep telemarketers on the phone so long that they would be the ones who would hang up on him! The humble nature of his personality endeared him to everyone he came in contact with and it is a great testament to his character that he formed so many long-lasting friendships over the years.
Dan enjoyed fishing, reading, watching sports, cooking, canning, and gardening. He could smoke the best salmon you ever tasted. He spent many happy hours canning and pickling food from his garden, making salsas and jams that he so proudly shared with everyone. He had an inherent ability to listen, absorb, and offer a point of view based on quiet, measured wisdom. He encouraged you to make the best of everything and gave advice on how to live your life, work hard and be kind to others. Dan recognized the importance of education and received his high school GED in his 30’s. He volunteered his time for 18 years at PineCrest Elementary School working one-on-one with students in order to help them raise their math and reading scores. He was affectionately known as “Grandpa Dan” and would light up as he went around town and heard one of his students call out “Hi Grandpa Dan!” His love for the word of God drew him to his church. He adopted the Lutheran religion and took his faith and relationship with God seriously and strived to be a better man.
As Dan faced his final days, he never lost his good humor, complained, or asked ‘why me?’ We should all wish for one-tenth of the courage and the resolve that he had. Our lasting memories of Dan are simple: a hard-working, passionate figure of strength who never waned in his support or love of his family, and who soldiered on, even when times were tough and shared the warmth of his love during his precious time on earth. His humor, selflessness, and kindness will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him. A man like Dan doesn’t come around often. He was one of a kind. He leaves us with these words: “Be thankful for what you have and enjoy each day you’re given”.
The family would like to thank you for your love and support at this time, and warmly invite you to join them for a public memorial service and remembrance on Dan’s life followed by a reception in his honor on Saturday, October 21st, at 1:00pm at Community of Christ Memorial Lutheran Church, 916 Veneta Ave., Bremerton, WA 98337. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made in Dan’s name to Harrison Medical Center Foundation Hospice.
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