SPARTA - Peter Joseph KREMBS, age 79, died peacefully on January 3, 2024, following an eight-year, dignified affliction with Alzheimer’s Disease. Peter lived with great purpose towards family, civil and philanthropic impact, wildlife ecology and friendship. Peter worked for more than 40-years as a commercial litigator and transactional attorney, having worked as in-house counsel, then serving as a partner in private practice at various law firms in the City of Cleveland.
Peter’s professionalism was well-balanced with his multiple passions throughout his life. Peter was a devoted, catch-and-release fly fisherman and outdoorsman who traveled the world reading the water, connecting his sharp intellect, and forgiving personality, to countless and artistic fly presentations he offered to fish. He loved classical music and was a patron of the Cleveland Orchestra for many years. Peter also served on the Board of Directors of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, serving within its Executive Leadership and Chair of the Human Resources Committee. In addition, Peter was a Trustee and past-President of the Cleveland Trout Club. Peter was a humble and active friend of Bill W. for more than 36 years, living One Day at a Time among a fellowship of dear friends who supported each other on a journey towards unity, recovery and service. Peter was also a Founding Member of the Bainbridge Recovery Club in Chagrin Falls.
Peter is survived by his four children, Jane McKelvey, Lisa McKelvey, Dr. Joshua Krembs (Erin), and Marcus Krembs (Brooke). Peter was also a beloved “Poppie” to his seven grandchildren, Bradley McKelvey-Askin, Merritt Brewer, Kyra Brewer, Skylar Krembs, Cameron Krembs, Oliver Krembs, and Isla Krembs.
Peter was born in Sparta, Wisconsin on December 12, 1944, and graduated from Sparta Senior High School where he played varsity football and track. Peter also played clarinet in the high school band and was awarded during several state-level music competitions. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in American Intellectual History in 1968 where he was a leadership member of the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), then Case Western Reserve University School of Law (J.D.) in 1973. Between college and law school, Peter taught middle school students at Harvey Rice Elementary School in Cleveland, Ohio.
Peter was the second oldest of six children of John G. Krembs, a lawyer, and Mary (Felker) Krembs, a music teacher. Peter was predeceased by both of his parents, as well as his brothers, F. Gregory Krembs and Stephen Krembs, and his wife of more than 30 years, Nancy Smythe Krembs. Peter has three surviving siblings, Andrew P. Krembs (Susan), Margaret McCabe (James Kovakas), and Jeannie Paulos (James).
Peter’s children will host a reception to share memories, laugh and connect on Friday, June 21, 2024, from 4:00 p.m to 6:00 p.m. at the Kindrich-McHugh Steinbauer Funeral Home, 33375 Bainbridge Road, Solon, Ohio.
“Time is but the stream I go a-fishing in. Its thin current slides away, but eternity remains.”
-- Henry David Thoreau
Kindrich-McHugh Steinbauer Funeral Home
