William "Bill" Cremer

William Glenn Cremer, age 79, passed away at Medilodge of Portage on February 26, 2026. He was born in Denver, CO, the son of the late John and Madeline (VandenAkker) Cremer. The youngest of five brothers, Bill was a man of love, faith, dedication and talent.

He attended Valparaiso University, Davenport University and earned a degree of Business Administration at Western Michigan University. In 1967, he enlisted in the Air Force, was stationed out of Griffiths Air Force Base in New York and was honorably discharged in 1971. He would return to make Kalamazoo his home and began working as an insurance salesman.

Bill lived a life that was full. He enjoyed biking at the gym and at the Celery Flats of Portage. He loved camping in his pop-up camper, allowing him to spend time outdoors in God’s natural world. He enjoyed the thrill of a roller coaster, and the joy of grilling out at a local park. His true past-time and passion came in the form of his musical gift.

He loved playing the piano or keyboard and rarely missed an opportunity to dazzle an audience. Bill shared his musical gift with others, playing at church services, weddings, funerals, local events or just jamming with good friends. As a musician who played mainly by ear, Bill inspired many people within Kalamazoo and Portage. His passion for music and faith in the Lord flowed from his heart and onto the hearts of those who listened.

Bill’s faith was always evident throughout his life. Born and raised in the Christian Reformed traditions, he later joined the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. His smile, warm welcome and words of hope and encouragement were always welcomed and allowed him to make friends wherever he went. Bill was the man who never missed an opportunity to say hello or check in on a neighbor.

Above all, Bill was a loving father and grandfather. He spent time with his daughters whenever he could and loved watching his grandchildren grow. Bill always remained focused on the time that was important, forever carrying the loss of an infant daughter, Amy who passed in 1976.

To know Bill was to love him and to be loved by him. His smile, giant handshake and comforting notes will be missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by two devoted daughters, Angela (JeLani) Horjus-Walker, of Baltimore, MD, and Julie Cremer or Nashville, TN. Three grandchildren, Steven Otto Horjus, Margreta Ruth Horjus and Jackson Cole Walker; a brother, James (Grace) Cremer; sister-in-law, Mary Cremer; several loving nieces and nephews, many of whom graciously spent time with Bill during his final days, making sure he was cared for, loved and never alone. Such devotion is a true testament of his love for family.

Bill was also preceded in passing by three brothers, Robert, Gerald, and Calvin Cremer.