Robert A. Krempels

Robert A. “Bob” Krempels moved from his home in south Hagerstown to his home in heaven on July 25th at the age of one hundred two.  He was born in 1920 in New Castle, PA to Michael Krempels and Sarah (Fultz) Krempels, both immigrants from Germany.  He was spiritually born again at a young age and baptized in water at 13.  At 17, he offered his life to God’s will.  After high school, he was recognized for his musical gift, and invited to become the accompanist for a touring vocal quartet from Eastern Bible Institute (University of Valley Forge). He enrolled the following year at EBI where he met his first wife, Mary Catherine Garns, and they married after graduation in 1944.  She became the Dean of Women at EBI, and he the music director there for 9 years.  He was ordained in the Assemblies of God in 1946.  He served as an assistant pastor and music director at Calvary Temple, Winnipeg, Manitoba for 8 years.  While there he also directed the weekly live radio broadcast of “The Gospel Fireside Hour”, and later a weekly television program “Faith to Live By”.

Feeling a change of direction for his life, Bob returned to the U.S. in 1965.  After briefly residing outside Harrisburg, PA, he accepted a pastorate in Somerville, NJ for 13 years.  During his ministry there, the congregation grew in size and stature, and together they built a beautiful new house of worship.  He took his final pastorate in Methuen, MA for 6 years, where he said, “I did my best pastoring.”   He truly felt his life’s calling was pastoring.  He loved each of these congregations, and still does. 

He is pre-deceased by his first wife Mary, his sister Esther and her husband Al Wallace, and both parents.  He is survived by his second wife Virginia (Ambrose) Perna Krempels of Hagerstown, by his son Robert Douglas Krempels (Wendy) of Kankakee, IL, his son David Michael Krempels (Mary) of Kittery Point, ME, and his daughter Deborah Marie McAfee (Kevin) of Greenville, ME; step-sons Daryl and Robert Perna of California; grandchildren David, Craig (Jasmine) and Lynnea (Scott) Moncofsky; step-grandchildren Kellie (Adam) Colaprete, Joe and Lexi Perna; great grandchildren Quynn, Eden, Lincoln and Maxwell.

Bob is best known for his outstanding music, arranging over 30 hymns in classical style on the piano, as well as accompanying many fine soloists, and coaching young people in musical pursuits.  In his retirement years he returned to Hagerstown, the home of his wife Mary.  He was twice an interim pastor in Maryland.  He often gave recitals of his music at senior living centers, and performed a most notable concert for family and friends on the occasion of his 90th birthday.  His friends remember not just his musical gifting, but his unusual compassion and loyalty.  Even in the last days of his life on earth he was welcoming guests into his home and making phone calls daily for birthday greetings and encouragement.

For some while Bob has been planning a great reunion in heaven.  Foremost among all those present will be the High King of Heaven, Jesus Christ, his Savior.  This out-of-this-world event will transpire at the Pearly Gates Welcome Center, located at Glory Blvd. and Peace Ave.  For directions, see John 14:6.

The family gives special thanks to Dr. Jeffrey Hurwitz and his staff, and to Doey’s House of Hagerstown. 

The family will receive friends at the Osborne Funeral Home, P.A. 425 S. Conococheague St. Williamsport, MD on Friday, July 29th from 6:00-8:00 pm.  The funeral home will be open at 9:00 am on Friday for the convenience of family and friends. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 30th at 10:30 am at The Good Shepherd Ministries, 19763 Longmeadow Rd. Hagerstown, the Rev. Steven McCullough and Rev. Kenneth Brown officiating.  Interment will be at Rose Hill Cemetery, Hagerstown, Dr. Bradford Reaves officiating.

Online condolences may be made at osbornefuneralhome.net. 

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