William Kremer

William Nicholas Kremer, Sr., age 90, of Wheaton, MN passed away peacefully at home on July 15, 2020.

Bill was born to Nicholas and Edwina Kremer on March 14, 1930, in Osakis, MN. He graduated from high school at St John's Preparatory School. Following high school, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he trained as an army cryptographer in Arlington, Virginia. After serving in the military, Bill attended Georgetown University in Washington, DC.

Bill found his lifelong passion in the newspaper business, purchasing his first weekly newspaper in Hillsboro, ND. He later purchased the Wheaton Gazette in Wheaton, MN, where he lived the remainder of his professional and personal life. During Bill's lifetime he was co-owner of several weekly newspapers and printing plants including the Western Guard in Madison, MN, Dawson Sentinel in Dawson, MN, Canby News in Canby, MN, Pelican Press in Pelican Rapids, MN, Starbuck Times in Starbuck, MN, Pope County Tribune in Glenwood, MN, Valley News in Browns Valley, MN, St. Peter Herald in St. Peter, MN, Quinco Press in Lowry, MN, Western Printers in Montevideo, MN, and American Press, Inc. with locations in Wheaton, MN, Tulsa, OK, and Des Moines, IA. Bill was also instrumental in being a founding member in creating three manufacturing businesses in Wheaton, including Custom Polymer, Spectrum Aeromed, and Wheaton Plastics.

He continued in the newspaper and printing business until the time of his death. Bill was very appreciative of his adopted hometown of Wheaton and an active member of the community. He served on many community boards, spending numerous hours promoting Wheaton, or what he liked to call "God's Country." He quietly and privately helped many people when they were in need because it was the right thing to do.

Bill was united in marriage to Joanne Balkan in 1957. Together they raised eight children. He was a very involved and wonderful father, grandfather, and great grandfather who would do anything for his loved ones. He will be greatly missed.

Bill will be greeted in heaven by his beloved daughter Lisa and his dog Izzy.

He is survived by his wife, Joanne of Wheaton, MN; children: Bill Kremer (Gayle) of Marshall, MN; Beth Kolles (Tom) of Edina, MN; Mike Kremer (Kathi) of Wheaton, MN; Jim Kremer (Barb) of St. Louis Park, MN; Barb Webb (Mike) of San Antonio, TX; Kristi Goss (Gordy) of Edina, MN; Jennifer Spicer (Pete) of Alameda, CA; fifteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren

A Mass of Christian Burial (public invited) will be held at Ave Maria Catholic Church in Wheaton on July 20, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. John Paul Knopik and Fr. Stanley Wieser Celebrants (live streaming of the service will be available on this page). Visitation will be one hour prior to the mass at the church. Honorary urn bearers will be Bill’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A private family burial will take place in Wildwood Cemetery, Wheaton. All current COVID-19 policies will be strictly enforced.

Memorials preferred and should be given to the Traverse County Food Shelf.

Condolences may be sent to the family in care of Bill Kremer – 1007 4th Avenue North – Wheaton, MN 56296