Bernard J. Kremer

Bernard J. Kremer, 97 of Fort Smith passed away Wednesday, August 13, 2014. He was born February 3, 1917 in Prairie View, AR to the late Jacob and Anna Kremers. He was a member of Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Barling, the Knights of Columbus, and past member of the Dervish Club, the Ft. Smith Antique Car Club and the Eagle’s Club.

He loved to hunt and fish and for several years, many weeks were spent at their home on Shoal Bay. He and Helen taught many of their grandchildren how to fish, and the love of the outdoors. He was an auto body mechanic and after his retirement from Armbruster, he worked in his own shop, Kremer’s Paint and Body, restoring antique cars and antique furniture. He restored numerous cars for others but also took the time to restore two Model A’s for his own pleasure. These were the era of cars he grew up with. He showed these at the annual Motta Car Show on Petit Jean Mountain. Both cars won many awards and were examples of his artistic work. Later in his life he started doing stained glass work and built numerous items for his family and others. As a person that worked with his hands all his life, the stained glass items he built were just another example of the artistic work he could do.

He always had time for his family to teach us the important values of life, and the importance of keeping God in our hearts and actions. In 2013 Bernard and Helen were awarded the Longest Married Catholic Couple in the State of Arkansas Award for 72 years of marriage. Our Dad will always live in our hearts and while he has left his earthly home, we will look forward to when we can be with him and our mother Helen in their Heavenly home.

Rosary will be said at 7:00 PM Wednesday, August 20, 2014 at Fentress Mortuary. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM Thursday, August 21, 2014 at Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Barling with burial to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Ft. Smith. Arrangements are under the direction of Fentress Mortuary.

Mr. Kremer is survived by his daughter Barbara Peterson and her husband Tim of Ft. Smith, three sons; Fenton Kremer and his wife Theda of Pleasanton, CA, Allen Kremer and his wife Glenda of Liberty Township, OH, and Bernie Kremer and his wife Holly of Ft. Smith. He is also survived by 11 Grandchildren, 13 Great Grandchildren, and one Great, great Grandchild.

Pallbearers will be Stephen Peterson, Craig Kremer, Jacob Leskovac, Nicholas Leskovac, Paul Leskovac, and Mike McCaig. Honorary pallbearers will be Colin Peterson, and members of the Eagle’s Club, the Dervish Club, and the Antique Car Club.

Memorials may be made Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church 1301 Frank Street Barling, AR 72923.