John Kreman, 91, of Scottsbluff made it to heaven Wednesday, July 5th, 2023, at Community Hospital in Torrington, WY. He passed peacefully with his children at his bedside after several days of visits from family and friends. Services will be held at 11 AM Friday, July 14, 2023, at the Henry Bible Church in Henry, NE with Pastors Michael Meysenburg and Matt Parker officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in care of the Henry Bible Church or the Harrison Bible church. Online condolences may be made by viewing John’s memorial page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com. Bridgman Family Funeral Home in Scottsbluff is entrusted with arrangements.
John Herman Newlin Kreman was born November 7, 1931, to Glen and Bessy (Newlin) Kreman in Glen, Nebraska, near Crawford. He had a sister, Francis, and a brother, Clarence. He attended the Glen School and graduated from high school in Harrison with the class of 1949. He was very active in football, boxing, track, and livestock judging. After high school John went to work on the maintenance crew for Chicago Northwestern Railroad. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1951 and did Basic Training in Lackland, Texas. Before being deployed to Korea he became engaged to Betty Jo Keener. He traveled to Korea on the merchant marine ship W.H. Gordon and crossed the International Dateline on Christmas Day, arriving in Pusan on New Years Eve. After his deployment he returned home for a 30 day leave and promptly planned a wedding. John and Betty Jo were married on December 20th, 1953. The couple moved to Victorville, California for the remainder of his enlistment where their oldest son Allan was born. The family then moved to Scottsbluff, Nebraska where John went to work for United Telephone Company. John and Betty Jo built a house north of Scottsbluff where they were blessed with two more children, Arlyn and JoAnn. John worked for the phone company in Scottsbluff for 38 years, retiring in 1994. They spent retirement flagging trailer houses, taking trips in the RV with family, dear friends, the Carlsons, Gilberts, and Millers, and chasing grandchildren. His beloved wife of nearly 60 years, Betty Jo, passed away in 2013.
John was an ornery jokester and a fun man with an infectious smile. He loved teasing the family (especially his wife), waiters at restaurants, and nurses at hospitals. He truly valued the people around him and was always quick to encourage a laugh. He knew no strangers and kept no enemies. No matter the hardship he faced he was quick to point out how blessed he had been with his life and his health. John enjoyed taking care of his yard and flowers. He loved playing cards, so long as he was winning. He enjoyed camping and fishing with his family. John was an extraordinary husband, father, and grandfather and he has left an indelible mark on those who knew him. He is already sorely missed, but the thought of his reunion with the many family members and friends that have gone before him brings us joy.
John is survived by his son, Allan (Diann) Kreman of Bayard, daughter JoAnn Schneider of Morrill, daughter-in-law Shirley Kreman of Bayard, grandchildren Aaron (Heather) Kreman, Justin (Kacey) Kreman, Tim (Lisa) Schneider, James (Fawn) Schneider, Ken (Kate) Schneider, Trevor (Kristin) Schneider, and Mickayla (Alec) Burg. He has 17 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Glen and Bessie Kreman, father and mother-in-law Vernon Sr. and Elizabeth Keener, wife Betty Jo, son Arlyn, son-in-law Jim Schneider, granddaughter Holli Siegfried, brother and sister-in-law Clarence and Faye Kreman, sister and brother-in-law Francis and Bill Olbricht, brother and sister-in-law Vernon Jr. and Audrey Keener, brother and sister-in-law Harold and Leona Keener, and sisters-in-law Virginia Norine and Lena Gable.