Bernard “Bernie” Joseph Cremers

Bernard “Bernie” Joseph Cremers

Iowa City

Bernard “Bernie” Joseph Cremers, 84, died unexpectedly of cardiac arrest on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM, Friday, January 16, 2026, at St. Thomas More Church in Coralville. Visitation will be held Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Church. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery following the funeral, with a lunch held at St. Thomas More after.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Systems Unlimited and Reach For Your Potential, organizations that provide living arrangements for people with special needs – causes Bernie supported through his work at Towncrest Pharmacy. Contributions may also be made to the Iowa City Community School District Foundation, or to St. Thomas More Church.

Bernie was born June 29, 1941, in Lindsay, Neb., the son of Bernard Joseph Cremers Sr. and Louise Catherine Braun. When he was two years old, the family moved to a farm near Rembrandt, Iowa, and farming left a lasting impact on his work ethic. He graduated from Rembrandt High School in 1959, moved to Iowa City in 1960, and was a 1964 graduate of the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy. During college, Bernie spent a remarkable summer in Washington, D.C., with a pharmacy internship that included placing him at a first aid tent during the historic March on Washington featuring MLK’s “I Have a Dream” speech. The internship also gave him the opportunity to meet several prominent politicians, including members of the Kennedy family, a memory he cherished throughout his life. On June 25, 1966, Bernie married Cherie Sweeting at St. Mary’s Church in Iowa City.

Bernie was a pharmacist for over 60 years. He began his career at Lubin’s Drug Store where he met Cherie, a fellow pharmacy student, at the soda fountain. He continued his career at Drug Fair and Peoples Drug. He then became co-owner of Towncrest Pharmacy, where he served the community for over 30 years. He also taught as adjunct instructor at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy for 40 years. Bernie retired in 2020. He was a member of St. Thomas More Church, Sunrise Optimists, past president of Iowa City Noon Rotary, and past president of the Iowa Pharmacy Association.

Bernie will be remembered for the way he loved life. He found joy in everything – from little details to big events – and noticed the kinds of things most of us pass by: an especially thoughtful store display with artistically labeled shelves, the mechanics of an antique hay baler, a spontaneous detour to explore a small town’s main street and pharmacy. His curiosity was infectious; he had a knack for turning everyday moments into small wonders.

Bernie loved connecting with people, and people loved connecting with Bernie. He could strike up a conversation with anyone – at the pharmacy counter, in the grocery aisle, or on a bike trail – and he was genuinely interested in their stories, perspectives, and families. He kept up with the histories and relationships that make the Iowa City community feel like a big extended family. Even as technology changed, he embraced it eagerly, learning new tools so he could text, video chat, and share photos with children, grandchildren, and friends. Bernie influenced and mentored with a caring touch; he asked good questions, listened deeply, and left folks feeling seen, encouraged, and capable. One way he connected with people was through light-hearted humor – he was known for telling tastefully obscure Lena and Ole jokes and often parted ways with, “See you next time, if not sooner.”

His interests were wide and wholehearted. Bernie felt blessed to travel throughout the United States and internationally with Cherie, savoring new places and cultures. He and Cherie biked regularly for more than 40 years; during the COVID pandemic, he settled into a routine of riding exactly 17 miles almost every day throughout spring, summer, and fall. He loved skiing and introduced his children and grandchildren to the specialness of family ski vacations, where shared runs and après ski became cherished traditions. Music was another source of joy; he delighted in playing the tuba and listening to favorites, especially jazz and polka.

Bernie was proud that his grandchildren represent the seventh generation in Iowa City through Cherie’s family, a living testament to roots that run deep. He left an impression on everyone he met – through kindness, curiosity, and humor, and his spirit will continue to ripple through the community he loved.

Bernie and Cherie moved to The Summit of Coralville senior living center in January 2024, and Bernie embraced the social aspects of the Summit community. The family thanks the staff at Summit for their care and support.

Bernie is survived by his wife, Cherie; and their children, Elizabeth (Michael) Deninger and Cordell (Jennifer) Cremers, both of Iowa City, and Spencer (Emily) Cremers of Troy, Mich.; grandchildren, Reed, Madeline, Andrew, Nathan, Maggie, Abigail, Truman, and Vivienne; his siblings, Gerald (Carol) Cremers, Corrine (Jim) McKnight, Linda (David) Bixby, Lois (Doug) Olson, Dale (Judy) Cremers, and Donald Cremers; and sister-in-law, Peggy Cremers.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Alan; and brother-in-law, Frank.