Jerome A. Cremers

Jerome A. “Jerry” Cremers, age 88, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 13, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. After a long and full life, he is now at peace, free from suffering.

Jerome was born in Lead, South Dakota, son of Arnold and Georgina (Brunelle) Cremers, and grew up in the Pierz and Little Falls areas of Minnesota. Jerry was a proud veteran, having served in the United States Navy, providing sea drone facilities and servicing patrol planes aboard the USS Pine Island. After returning home, Jerry began a 30-year career as a butcher and later became a federal meat inspector.

In February of 1962, he married the love of his life, Barbara Crever, whom he met at a dance. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and countless memories. They lived in St. Cloud, MN for several years before relocating to Devils Lake, ND in 1970, where Jerry continued his work as a meat inspector, traveling to small towns across the region.

Beyond his career, Jerry was a man of many talents and passions. He spent time repairing furniture at LaMotte’s Furniture Store in Devils Lake and shared his love of woodworking with the local Boy Scouts, teaching them how to carve wood - a craft he cherished deeply. Jery was also skilled in leatherwork, creating items, many of which he gave as gifts. In addition, he briefly served with the Coast Guard Auxiliary and was an active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, where his faith remained central to his life.

Jerry was deeply involved in his community. He was a proud member of the American Legion, the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree, and the local wood carving club. He and Barbara enjoyed square dancing with their friends in the Prairie Partners Square Dance Club for many years. Jerry loved working in the yard, cutting wood, planting trees, and caring for his garden. A true jack-of-all trades, he was always building and fixing things around the house, from small sheds to furniture, and his woodworking was particularly impressive. Jerry was also an avid fisherman and hunter.

When Jerry retired from his role as a federal meat inspector, he worked for a local farmer, finding joy in planting, cultivating, and harvesting the land. He cherished the friendships he made with the people he worked alongside and the peaceful rhythm of farm life. Throughout his life, Jerry was known for his strong values and beliefs, his firm but loving manner and his willingness to help others in need.

In his final years, Jerry found great comfort in attending St. Joseph’s Catholic Church with Barbara. He lived by the principle that “right is right” and his faith was a cornerstone of his life. As he often said, Jerry felt that he had lived a good life, and he was ready to go home.

Jerry is survived by his loving family. His wife Barbara of 63 years; daughters Mary Cremers (fiancé Pete Byrnes) of St. Paul, MN, Sandra (Steve Price) Cremers of Tucson, AZ, Michelle Cremers, Grand Forks, ND and Suzie Curtis, Fargo ND; grandson Keaton Curtis, Devils Lake; sisters Helen Martin, Sauk Rapids, MN and Rita (Bob) Klassen, Melrose MN; many nieces, nephews and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son Michael Cremers, grandson Kristopher Curtis, sisters Sylvia Brennan and Mary Barbara in infancy, and in-laws Claude and Mildred Crever.

The Casket Bearers will be Aaron Abbott, Steve Price, Jason Schuh, Dusty Samuelson, David Hoffart, Michelle Cremers, and Mary Cremers. Eucharistic Gift Bearers will be Jerry’s daughters Mary, Sandra, Michelle, and Suzie.

Visitation will be at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Thursday, June 19, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 6:00 p.m. with the Knights of Columbus leading the Rosary and a 4th Degree Honor Guard.  Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, June 20, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Reverend Karmalrag Balasamy celebrating the Mass. Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery with Military Honors.