Colonel Kenneth John Kremenak

Colonel Kenneth John Kremenak, Retired, age 80, of Cibolo, Texas, a veteran of the U.S. Army, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, June 13, 2025, in his home.

Son of Vincent and Imogene Kremenak, Kenneth was born on April 29, 1945, in St. Charles, Illinois. The son of missionaries, Kenneth spent some time in Paraguay before eventually landing in Portales, New Mexico where he graduated in the class of 1963 from Portales High School.

Known as their "golden throated hero" by his West Point classmates because of his beautiful tenor singing abilities, Kenneth was involved in as many activities as he could be. He was a member of the indoor track and lacrosse teams, the Glee Club and Protestant Chapel choirs, and the Baptist Student Union to name a few. He was said to have arrived from "Goober Gulch" with a suitcase full of personality, Frank Platt records, a tennis racket, and a trumpet. He was commissioned by the United States Army after graduation from the United States Military Academy's class of 1968, and awarded the rank of colonel during his 30 years of service with the U.S. Army in the Medical Service Corps: Kenneth served in Vietnam during the Vietnam War, he and his treasured rosebud, Nila Pearl, also spent two tours in Germany and were stationed in many other locations across the United States. His decorations included two Legions of Merit, the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service (five times), Army Commendation, Army Achievement, National Defense Service (two times), Vietnam Service, Armed Forces Service, and Humanitarian Service medals.

Kenneth was a godly man and it showed in his compassion, patience, faithfulness, and selflessness. He always pointed everything back to Christ, the Creator of the Universe. His love of literature and the arts was evident in his daily, handwritten notes and countless poems to his adored queen, Nila. He was an all-around athlete and his competitive spirit shone through in the many board and card games he loved to play with his family. When Kenneth retired from the military he furthered his education with multiple Masters degrees and fostered his heart for children by becoming an elementary teacher. He loved his God, his family, his country and he himself was easy to love.

Kenneth is survived by his wife of 56 years, Nila Pearl Norton, his son John Mark, daughter Dee Dee and her husband Tom Longhway, their children Simeon Longhway and his wife Katherine, Annaleah Clegg and her husband Garrett, Audrianna Montalvo and her husband lan, and Benjamin Longhway, and his recently born, great-granddaughter Sarris Clegg. His sisters Sherel Ann Knesel, Sue Harburg, Paulina Grace, brother David, and brother-in-law Dee Norton. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister Kit Kremenak.

There will be a celebration of life with full military honors on June 27 at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX, 78209 at 11:15 a.m. A memorial service will also be held on June 28, at Believers Fellowship, 13714 Lookout Rd, San Antonio, TX, 78233 at 10:00 a.m. Flowers and cards can be sent to 141 Green Brook Place, Cibolo, TX, 78108.