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JOHN C. KROMER

Reverend John C. Kromer, longtime Mullett Lake resident, passed away peacefully Tuesday, June 25 at the home of his daughter and son-in-law in Livonia, Mich. John was born on Nov. 18, 1924 to Clarence and Charlotte (Tigner) Kromer in Columbus, Ohio, joining his sister Mary Jane (1914-2005). At the age of 19, John was inducted into the U.S. Navy where he served his country on the USS Denver, and as a Naval Aviator on board the USS Siboney in the South Pacific for the duration of World War II. In June 1947, John received his Honorable Discharge having attained the rank of Lieutenant Commander, and in later years continued to serve his country as a member of the Naval Reserves. After the War, John returned home to Columbus to assist his father and grandfather in running the family roofing business. John graduated from the Wharton School, and continued his education with a degree in mechanical engineering from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. It was during his time at Case that John met the love of his life, Carol Penniman, a student at nearby Lake Erie College. On June 23, 1951, John and Carol were married in Riverside, R.I. Theirs was a 64 year journey of love, commitment and many adventures that was put on hold when Carol passed in 2015. Their union produced six children and a loving, supportive home. In his mid 30s, John was moved by hearing the Gospel, and with the support of his wife, followed the call and returned to graduate school to study theology. In 1960 he was ordained as a Lutheran minister, serving three congregations over the course of 30 years.

While serving St. Matthew Lutheran church in Herron, John became a member of the Wilson Township Volunteer Fire Department, eventually serving as Assistant Chief. During this time he also became certified and served as a CISD counselor to area first responders. After retiring to his childhood vacation home on Mullett Lake, John continued to serve as a volunteer with the Inverness Township Fire Department, and began a long tenure serving as Chaplain for the Michigan State Firefighters’ Association. Continuing his desire to serve, John returned to school and became a licensed paramedic, working in multiple communities in the North, as well as serving as visiting pastor to Lutheran churches in the area, and working part time at the Mullett Lake Post Office.

Around age 80 John permanently retired, and he and Carol enjoyed more time traveling and camping all over the country. John loved to putter around his home on the lake, visit with neighbors, take walks on the trail and enjoy his grandchildren. John and Carol found their second family and their final church home at St. John Lutheran Church in Cheboygan. John and Carol’s survivors include son Bob Kromer, of Seattle, Wash.; son Donald Kromer of Rogers City, Mich.; son Phil Kromer (Megan) of Mackinac Island, Mich.; and daughter Carol (Mike) Arakelian of Livonia, Mich. John will be missed by his grandchildren Gabriel and Derby Kromer of Mackinac Island, Nicholas and Caroline Arakelian of Charlotte, N.C., Rebecca Arakelian of Marquette, Mich. and Maria Arakelian of Livonia, Mich. For John and Carol Kromer, the adventure now resumes.

John and Carol are further survived by Children: Ed (Jennifer) Kromer of Gaylord, Mich.; Laura (Matt) Pomerville of Empire, Mich. Grandchildren: Jason Kromer of Cocoa Beach, Fla.; Sally (Alex) Shepard of Englewood, Colo.; Scott (Alison) Kromer of Green Bay, Wis.; Lianna Pomerville of Empire, Mich. Great-grandchildren: Luke & Matthew Kromer of Green Bay, Wis.