Jermie David Krehn

Jermie Krehn was a fun-loving, adventurous man, who lived his life the only way he knew how, always going faster and loving deeper. He was a beloved son, brother, father and friend, a man with a lead foot and a truly golden heart. He was taken too soon, but his life, and his love, lives on in all who knew him today. Jermie's story began on a cool fall day in 1977, in the beautiful lakeside town of Grand Haven, Michigan. Those were times of healing in this country, as we strove to put the war in Vietnam and the Watergate scandal behind us. Disco was king, and Star Wars thrilled movie audiences for the first time. On October 19, 1977, a cool Wednesday in the Coast Guard City, David and Sharon Krehn celebrated the birth of a baby boy, a son they named Jermie David Krehn. Jermie joined his big sister Racheul, three years his senior, in the family's Grand Haven home. While Racheul had been a colicky infant, Jermie was a decidedly more laid-back child, smiling at everything and everyone. Or in hindsight, given his mischievous nature, maybe it was actually a devilish grin! From an early age, Jermie's thrill-seeking nature was obvious. When he was just two years old, he climbed over a fence and then proceeded to climb up and sit on the park manager's brand new motorcycle - messy diaper and all! When he was six years old, the family moved to Timberline Estates in Twin Lake, where his adventures continued there and elsewhere. Once when he was visiting his grandparents, he made an immediate impression on their neighbors, who were putting in a new septic system. The mounds of dirt on either side offered little Jermie the perfect "Evel Knieval" moment on his mini bike. It didn't quite work out the way he planned, however, and he landed in the middle of the septic tank! That was Jermie, always a daredevil, always trying to go faster, jump farther, soar higher. He lived his whole life on the edge, always pushing the envelope. He loved racing four-wheelers, snowmobiling, motorcycles, and his jet ski. Jermie never really liked school, he needed to be outside doing something. He eventually found the perfect job when he went to work for Dick Ghezzi installing pools. Jermie loved it because he could work outside. He installed pools in Michigan and Florida. When he was 18, Jermie was blessed with a baby daughter, Ashley Ann, who he absolutely adored. The day she was born was the greatest day of his life, and he loved being a father, even though he was more like a big brother! He loved to wrestle with her, tickle her, joke and tease. When she was asked about her dad, Ashley said, "He's outrageous!" Jermie was that way with everyone. He loved to tease people, and joke around with them. He also had a softer, gentler side, and was a very kind, giving person at heart. When Ashley's grandfather became very ill, Jermie lovingly cared for him for more than a year. That was just how Jermie was. He wasn't the most affectionate man, but you always knew how much he loved you, and he was forever there for you. His girlfriend Tamara said he was so easy to be with, even if he wasn't really the romantic type. Being around him was like being with your best friend, so comfortable, and he always made you feel loved. In 2002, Jermie and his family were hit with the tragic death of his big sister Racheul, who died in a car accident. She was Jermie's best friend in the entire world, and her loss affected him greatly. After her death, he was never quite the same, and turned heavily to drinking. Helping him recover was the loving care of the Burgess family. A family who meant so much to him. Almost every Friday night the families got together, and in Bob Burgess, Jermie had a brother for the first time, and the Burgess girls grew from Bob's little sisters to friends of Jermie's, too. Sadly, Jermie died accidentally on Tuesday, December 12, 2006, at the age of 29, exactly four years to the day of his sister's tragic death. Jermie's funeral will be held on the same day as Racheul's. Racheul meant so much to Jermie, and their father has no doubt the two are reunited, together, again, in Heaven today. Although, as he said, "She's probably beating on him right now!" Jermie was a wonderful, fun-loving, thrill-seeking man, who lived his life his own way, and at his own speed. He always tried to go faster. Once, while parasailing in Florida, he unhooked his tether to the boat, so he could fly free and fly higher. Jermie flies free today, up and into the hearts of all who knew him. He will be so greatly missed. Jermie is survived by his parents, David & Sharon Krehn of N. Muskegon; daughter, Ashley Ann Krehn of N. Muskegon; girlfriend, Tamara Kruzel; grandmother, Janice Kish of Key Largo, FL; grandparents, John (Carol) Farmer of Muskegon; great-grandfather, Vernon Holzauer of Ft. Meyers, FL; many aunts, uncles & cousins and his dog Prince. A service will be held for Jermie on Monday, December 18, 2006, 11:00 AM at Clock Chapel with Rev. Greg Vandermeer officiating. Interment at Lakeshore Cemetery. You may visit the family on Sunday, December 17, 2006 from 2-5 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. Memorial donations may be made to the family. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.