Jeffrey Doren Kremer of Mount Prospect died unexpectedly of heart failure on Saturday, June 6, while involved in one of the activities he most enjoyed as a dad and husband—attending one of his son’s soccer games. Earlier that day, he videotaped his daughter’s ballet recital rehearsal.
An exercise enthusiast—from biking and hiking to running and weight training—Jeff also assisted others in building their strength and mobility. He was the Supervisor of Rehabilitation Services at Presence Holy Family Medical Center in Des Plaines and a physical therapist.
Jeff had an expansive personality and an enthusiastic approach to life. He reveled in a good joke or story, and loved to email out articles and music he discovered on the Internet. Something of a daredevil, he couldn’t resist body surfing or tackling a steep trail. Trips to museums, downtown Chicago, and local events, and vacations from Wisconsin to Bethany Beach, DE, to Mexico were all on the family itinerary.
He supported his beloved wife, Laura Ernst Kremer, in ways large and small. They were married December 6, 2002, and had renewed their vows in this spring.
He was born September 22, 1961, in Wilmington, DE. In addition to his wife, he is survived by their two children, Erik, 10, and Kate, 8; his siblings Terri Gillespie of Newark, DE; Janna Lutz of Chagrin Falls, OH; and Lisa (Paul) Mohler of Lebanon, IN; his parents-in-law, Tom and Linda Ernst, of Arlington Heights; Laura’s sisters Carolyn (Doug) Smith, of Sugar Grove, and Mary (Brian) Kemp, of Mount Prospect, as well as seven nephews and a niece. He was preceded in death by his parents and a niece.
The viewing will be held Wednesday, June 10, from 3-7 p.m. at Friedrichs Funeral Home, 320 W. Central Rd., at Northwest Hwy.,Mount Prospect, followed by a short service at 7 p.m. Family and friends are invited to a reception beginning around 8 p.m. The location is being determined and will be posted on the funeral home website.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jeff’s memory can be made to the National Parks Conservation Association (npca.org) or Children’s Memorial Hospital (www.luriechildrens.org).