Kirk Crome

Kirk Crome, 70, of Washington, died Feb. 8, 2021, at CHI St. Elizabeth Hospital in Lincoln, Neb.

He was born on Feb. 22, 1950, in Fairbury, Neb., and was the third son out of four to Edgar (Dick) and Selma (Gleue) Crome, of Bremen. He was baptized at Immanuel Lutheran (Hermansberg) Church in Bremen on March 5,1950, attended parochial school through the eighth grade, and was confirmed on March 22, 1964. In 1968, he graduated from Hanover High School.

He married Mary Ann Waser, of Washington, on May 22, 1976, at the First Methodist Church in Washington. To this union, two daughters were born: Carrie Inez and Gretchen Rene.

He spent his life in the vending business, working for Prell Sales of Bremen and purchasing the business in 1987. That was the beginning of K.C. Vending.

He was an active member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Greenleaf. He served as elder and on the finance committee multiple terms.

He was preceded in death by his father, Edgar; grandson, Eddie Matthew; brothers-in-law, Rodney Waser and Leland Elliott; great-niece, Kirah Elliott.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann, of 44 years; Carrie (Joel) Force, of Manhattan; Gretchen (Aaron) Oehmke, of Palmer; 4 grandchildren, his mother, Selma, of Hanover; brothers and their spouses, Gary (Linda), of Bremen, Wayne (Nancy), of Hanover, Mark (Beverly), of Bremen; and sisters-in-law, Karen Elliott, of Manhattan, and Sharon Waser, of Hiawatha.

The funeral was Feb. ii at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Greenleaf. Rev. Matthew Durance officiated. Jared Hatesohl was organist and the congregation sang “Onward Christian Soldiers,” “How Great Thou Art” and “I Am Jesus Little Lamb.”

Pallbearers were Dennis Minge, Bob Holle, Morris Friedrichs, Mel Pralle, Peter Oldehoeft, Jim Bruna and Don “Chick” Minge.

Burial was in Washington City Cemetery.

A memorial fund is established and will be designated later. Contributions may be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home, Washington.

Washington County News • Feb. 18, 2021