In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in care of Henry Bible Church or Harrison Bible Church. Online condolences may be made by viewing John’s memorial page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome. com.

John Herman Newlin Kreman was born November 7, 1931, to Glen and Bessy (Newlin) Kreman in Glen, NE, near Crawford. He had a sister, Francis, and a brother, Clarence. He attended the Glen School and graduated from high school in Harrison with the class of 1949. He was very active in football, boxing, track, and livestock judging.

After high school, John went to work on the maintenance crew for Chicago Northwestern Railroad. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1951 and received basic training in Lackland,TX. Before being deployed to Korea, he became engaged to Betty Jo Keener. He traveled to Korea on the merchant marine ship,W.H. Gordon, and crossed the International Dateline on Christmas Day, arriving in Pusan on NewYear’s Eve.

After his deployment, he returned home for a 30-day leave and promptly planned a wedding. John and Betty Jo were married on December 20, 1953.The couple moved to Victorville, CA, for the remainder of his enlistment, where their oldest son, Allan, was born.The family then moved to Scottsbluff, NE, where John went to work for United Telephone Company. John and Betty Jo built a house north of Scottsbluff where they were blessed with two more children, Arlyn and JoAnn. John worked for the phone company in Scottsbluff for 38 years, retiring in 1994.They spent retirement flagging trailer houses, taking trips in the RV with family and dear friends, the Carlsons, Gilberts, and Millers, and chasing grandchildren.

John was an ornery jokester and a fun man with an infectious smile. He loved teasing the family (especially his wife), waiters at restaurants, and nurses at hospitals. He truly valued the people around him and was always quick to encourage a laugh. He knew no strangers and kept no enemies. No matter the hardship he faced he was quick to point out how blessed he had been with his life and his health. John enjoyed taking care of his yard and flowers. He loved playing cards, so long as he was winning. He enjoyed camping and fishing with his family. John was an extraordinary husband, father, and grandfather and he left an indelible mark on those who knew him.

John is survived by his son, Allan (Diann) Kreman of Bayard; daughter JoAnn Schneider of Morrill; daughter-in-law Shirley Kreman of Bayard; grandchildren Aaron (Heather) Kreman, Justin (Kacey) Kreman,Tim (Lisa) Schneider, James (Fawn) Schneider, Ken (Kate) Schneider, Trevor (Kristin) Schneider, and Mickayla (Alec) Burg. He has 17 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Glen and Bessie Kreman; father- and motherin- law,Vernon Sr. and Elizabeth Keener; beloved wife of nearly 60 years Betty Jo; son Arlyn; son-inlaw Jim Schneider; granddaughter Holli Siegfried; brother and sister-in-law Clarence and Faye Kreman; sister and brother-in-law Francis and Bill Olbricht; brother and sister-in-lawVernon Jr. and Audrey Keener; brother and sister-in-law Harold and Leona Keener; and sisters-in-lawVirginia Norine and Lena Gable.