Kirk Crome

Kirk Crome, 70, Washington, died Monday, February 8, 2021 at CHI St. Elizabeth Hospital in Lincoln, NE. Visitation was Wednesday, February 10 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Ward Funeral Home in Washington, A funeral service was 10 a.m., Thursday, February 11 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. Kirk was born on February 22, 1950, in Fairbury, NE and was the third son out of four to Edgar (Dick) and Selma (Gleue) Crome of Bremen, KS. He was baptized at Immanuel Lutheran (Hermansberg) Church in Bremen, KS 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. Kirk married Mary Ann Waser, of Washington, on May 22, 1976 at the First Methodist Church in Washington, KS. 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, KS and purchasing the business in 1987. That was the beginning of K.C. Vending. He traveled 120 miles radius making friends at every stop. Kirk was known for his warm personality and contagious laugh. He never knew a stranger, but when questioned, “Who is that?”, his response was always “That’s ol’ what’s his name!” Kirk was an active member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Greenleaf, KS. He served as elder and on the finance committee multiple terms. Kirk 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, KS; Gretchen (Aaron) Oehmke of Palmer, KS; four grandchildren, Frank E Force; Ella, Josie, and Wade Oehmke; his mother, Selma of Hanover; brothers and their spouses, Gary (Linda) of Bremen, Wayne (Nancy) of Hanover, Mark (Beverly) of Bremen; sisters-in-law, Karen Elliott of Manhattan, Sharon Waser of Hiawatha; multiple nieces and nephews, Cindy Kelley, David Elliott, Mark Waser, Dirk Waser, Stephanie Prohaska, Todd Crome, Scott Crome, Jason Crome, Jenea Bruna, Joey Crome, Jamie Slupianek, Chad Crome, Misty Klima, and their spouses. A memorial fund is established and will be designated later. Contributions may be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home, Washington. Funeral for Kirk Crome To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Kirk Crome, please visit our flower store.