Norman L Kroemer, 64, of Bern, passed away on Monday, February 11, 2019, at the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital.

Norman L. Kroemer was born on June 23, 1954 at the Axtell Hospital to Lavern and Evelyn (Fritch) Kroemer. Norman lived his first 25 years on the family farm north of Seneca on the Nebraska State Line, where his family raised cattle, hogs, chickens, had a large garden and enjoyed living the country life.

Norman attended Prairie Grove School thru third grade before finishing his education at Bern Rural High School in Bern. He graduated in 1972 and then went to NCK VoTech in Beloit where he took electronics, and graduated in 1974.

On February 17, 1979, Norman married Constance (Connie) Sue Reicherter in Seneca, Kansas. They moved to a farm on the Nebraska side of the state line where one daughter, Rachel Nichcole was born into the family on August 27, 1979.

In 1984, Norman moved his family to Bern, Kansas to a house once owned by Norman’s great grandfather, Carl Kroemer Sr. Norman renovated the house on nights and weekends, while working at CR Industries and still helping on the family farm.

Norman worked for Gottula Trenching from 1974 to 1976 and in December 1976 thru 1989 he worked maintenance at CR Industries. After marriage, Norman continued farming until he move to town in 1984. From 1990 to 2000 Norman worked for Tristar Cable where he traveled extensively. From 2000-2009 he worked from Moore Engineering all over the state of Kansas, where he managed crews in underground construction. March 2009-2013 worked for Ribbon Weld where he welded rail from coast to coast and border to border.

In 2004, Norman and Connie designed and built their own home with the help of their daughter Rachel.

In 2017 Norman retired and enjoyed his large garden which grew every year with new and unusual items. Norman enjoyed woodworking and metal working and was always tinkering with things and making items that he is the only one, that knew what they were! Norman liked to help out the community whenever possible, whether donating time or materials to community projects and events. Norman liked to travel and made it to 44 states, where he often stopped to visit family and friends.

Norman was a volunteer fireman from 1986 until the time of death. He was also a City Council Member twice, 1988-1990 and 2014-2017, neither time was he elected, but held the office after another member was not able to complete their term. Norman was however elected to Mayor of Bern for three consecutive terms from 1990-2002.

On October 13, 2017 Norman was diagnosed with Esophogeal Cancer which he fought till the end. During his treatment he always had an infectious smile and made a new friend at each treatment.

Preceded in death by parents, Lavern in 2015 and Evelyn in 1995; and his sisters, Audrey Butler in 2006 and Vivian Cockrell in 2018.

He is survived by his wife, Connie of Bern; and his daughter, Rachel and her husband, Michael, of Ponca City, Oklahoma.

A visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. prior to the funeral services. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday morning, February 16, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. at the Bern Community Center in Bern.

Memorials to Bern Rural Fire Department sent in care of the family.

Lauer Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. To express your sympathy and for more information visit www.lauerfuneralhome.com .