Karl Walter Kreminski
Karl Walter Kreminski peacefully passed surrounded by family on April 23 at Blessing Hospital. Karl was born on July 12, 1939 in Aurora, IL to Walter Kreminski and Dorothy (Pierson) Kreminski. He married Betty ‘Betsy’ (Montgomery) Carrell on September 4, 1981 in Galesburg, IL. She survives.
Growing up, he learned the value of hard work. He had his own paper route, cut asparagus early in the mornings before going to school, and worked in a paint store. At the age of 17 he joined the U. S. Navy with his parents permission. During the 20 plus years Karl was in the Navy he lived all over the world, and he served on the USS Midway, the USS Enterprise, the USS Ticonderoga, and the USS Nimitz. He also earned numerous awards and service medals, including five Good Conduct Medals, a Presidential Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Bronze Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Commendation (Cross of Gallantry). He was also given credit for flying over 100 test flights in the F-4 Phantom as the Aviation Electrician. That included flying Mach 2 numerous times which was a highlight of Karl’s career.
After retiring from the Navy as a Master Chief Petty Officer (E-9) in 1976, Karl had many different jobs. He did handyman work while living in Florida, then he moved his family to Galesburg, IL and trained with his father-in-law Joe Stolarick to be a golf pro. During that time Karl developed a love of golf which he shared with his children and wife. He moved on from teaching golf and became an electrician at Gates Rubber Company in Galesburg for 11 years. When he got laid off he drove a beer truck and delivered beer to many bars in the surrounding cities. During one of the lay-offs he and Betsy decided to become business owners, and purchased two laundromats in Monmouth, IL. They changed the name from Sudzy’s to Betsy’s Sudzy’s, and added dry cleaning and drop off laundry service.
When Karl wasn’t working or looking for something to work on, he did enjoy having fun. He enjoyed golf, bowling, jogging, going to the gym, horseback riding, going to Vegas or Biloxi to gamble, playing cards, fishing, boating, reading, and hanging out with his family. He liked keeping busy!
Karl was incredibly proud of his family. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Betsy; son, Keith (Kelly) Kreminski of Houston, TX, daughters: Patti Kreminski of Norton, MA, and Lori (Philip) Hildebrand of Mendon, IL. Karl was blessed with six grandchildren, Kyle Kreminski, Kaitlin (Gary) Daubert, Emma Hildebrand (Andrew Witte), Sidney (Rees) Treaster, PJ Hildebrand (Emilie Maas), Vadim Kreminski, one great-grandchild, Zane Daubert, one brother, Tom Kreminski, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother, first wife, JoAnn, sister, Mary Jo Johnson, brother, Al Kreminski, several uncles and an aunt.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 10:00 AM in the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. Visitation will be held at the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home on Wednesday from 9:00 AM until the time of the services. Interment in Sunset Cemetery of the Illinois Veterans Home with military rites conducted by the United States Navy Honor Detail and the American Legion Post #37 Honor Detail. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be left to Tunnel 2 Towers, Teresa Adams House, the Fisher House Foundation, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
I remember Karl from his Florida years when his wife, Betsy, became my coworker and best friend at the school where we worked together. Karl started by volunteering at the school and made such a good impression on the students and staff that the principal asked him to become a staff member. He was loved by all the staff and students. He was the kind of man who served as a great role model for the kids and was widely respected and appreciated. The world has lost a very true hero.
I had the privilege of meeting Karl a few times while working alongside Betsy, and those moments left a lasting impression on me. Betsy was, without question, one of the finest school counselors I have ever known. Her compassion, dedication, and unwavering support for students made my role as a school administrator not only manageable but deeply fulfilling. It was clear that the strength and warmth she brought to her work were reflected in the life she shared with Karl.
Karl possessed a natural charisma that could not be taught or imitated; it was simply who he was. In every interaction, he exuded sincerity, kindness, and a quiet confidence that reassured those around him. Being in his presence reminded me that there are still truly good people in this world, individuals who lead with their hearts and leave others better for having known them.
I am incredibly grateful to have experienced even a small glimpse of his genuine spirit. His legacy lives on not only in memory but through Betsy, one of the most remarkable and influential women I know. Karl will never be forgotten, and his impact will continue to be felt in the lives he touched.