of Conway, AR
December 8, 2015
Cheryl James Kremer died on December 8 at age 59 after eight years of bravely battling a rare neurological disease.
Cherie was born an only child on December 14, 1955 in Midland, Michigan. She grew up in various cities across the country, including Saginaw, Michigan; Devil's Lake, North Dakota; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Tempe, Arizona. She graduated from Central Michigan University with a bachelor's degree in computer science in 1977, and worked several years for IBM and Motor Wheel in Lansing, Michigan. She married Don Kremer in 1979 in Lansing. After her first child (Scott) was born, she decided to quit her job to dedicate her life to raising her children. Eventually, Don and Cherie had four children: Scott (Shoko), Karen, Mark, and Colleen.
Her husband's career took Cherie many places: New York City; Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; Johannesburg, South Africa; Rochester, Michigan; Valparaiso, Indiana; and finally Conway, Arkansas. Throughout all these moves, Cherie was the rock that held the family together. She was deeply involved in every school and church where her family lived. Although a strong Catholic, she never forgot her Lutheran roots.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Shirley (Tessin) Richardson, her natural father, Leonard Severson, her adopted father, Norval James, and her stepfather, Ray Richardson.
Over the past few years, Cherie became a fixture across Conway in her wheelchair at her church, at the Conway Regional Fitness Center, and at restaurants, because of her wonderful disposition in spite of a progressive disease that ruthlessly stole all of her motor skills, including her ability to speak. She never let self-pity rule her life, but through her faith and courage provided all of her family and friends a role model of how to live their lives. She will be missed terribly.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, December 11, 2015 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Conway. Rosary will be held 6:00 p.m. Thursday at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway with visitation to follow until 8:00 pm. Interment at Crestlawn Memorial Park.
Hello Don,
I am sorry to hear of your wife Cheryl's passing. There are several of us from our high school class who have endured the loss of a spouse. It is a draining experience and I hope you have found consolation among family, friends, and faith.
Craig Wilson, ex-Lansing MI
I am so sorry about Cherie. I always enjoyed volunteering with her at school. She was a tireless worker willing to do anything at all. She was so proud of her kids. My prayers are with you all.
To the Family of Cheryl James Kremer,
So sorry to learn about the loss of your Dear Loved One, Cheryl. Please know that so many people share your grief with you to help you through this difficult time of sorrow. Please accept my deepest condolences as we await the time when Christ Jesus will awaken all of those who have fallen asleep in death; including your Beloved, Cheryl.
(John 11:41-44)
Don, I am another cousin you met at PJ's picnic in 1990. My mother Clara (Severson) Frederikson and Cherie's dad Leonard Severson were brother and sister (2 of 7 siblings). My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God bless you and keep you.
Don,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in our prayers. Cherie is dancing with angles right now.
Don,
I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sending love and prayers to Cousin Cherie's beautiful family. You will miss her but thank God for letting us know & love her during her earthly life. My husband, Jay, and I were fortunate to host a "Severson's Cousins Gathering" at our home in Michigan, ND in I think June or July of 1990. Scott was 7 (same age as my son Jayson) and Karen was 3. Cherie was expecting and Mark was born that Oct. I was only able to meet Mark and Colleen by photos at Christmas time. I can't remember how many cousins attended but the total would have been 17. There were some missing. I am so glad we kept in touch. I lost my husband, Jay, in 2012. They will be in our hearts forever. Take good care....... PJ Haugen
Mrs. Kremer, I never got the chance to meet you, but I did get a chance to meet your son Mark, and you did a wonderful job rasing him. Your family is in my prayers, and I will be sure to keep an eye on Mark for as long as I can. It was great to have the chance to meet someone you created.
Don, Cherie was a blessing in my life and I will miss her. My condolences to you and your family. God bless you all and may Cherie rest in peace.
My thoughts and prayers are with her family. I had not seen Cheryl since our high school graduation but I still remember her wonderful smile and warm personality.