Alice R. Bremer

Alice R. Bremer, the cherished matriarch and beacon of the Bourbon community, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, February 23, 2024.

Alice Ruth Crawford was born on November 22, 1930, in Saint Louis, Missouri, to the late Charles and Olga (Petersen) Crawford. Alice grew up in Saint Louis and attended the Riverview Gardens High School until moving to Bourbon during her senior year, graduating as Salutatorian from Bourbon High School in 1948.

Soon after high school, while at home, a young man working at the Bremer Hardware Store caught Alice’s eye. Alice at the time was working for Crawford Electric delivering electric bills. She made sure she was able to deliver to the Bremer Hardware store which in return lead her to the love of her life, Warder Bremer. Their engagement in 1949 quickly led to marriage on January 28, 1950, at the Concordia Lutheran Church in which they were the first couple to be married. Together, they built a warm home in Bourbon and were blessed with four children: Vaughn, Randy, Linnea, and Monica.

A devoted housewife, Alice's involvement in the community was as heartfelt as it was impactful. She was a guiding force in the Mother Clubs within the Bourbon School District, and as a Den Mother in the Cub Scouts, she shaped the lives of many young individuals. In 1963, she made a bold move by purchasing the Bourbon Standard Newspaper with Emma Jane Dunn, rebranding it as the Bourbon Beacon. For a decade, she operated the paper, becoming a respected voice within the community.

Her work ethic was unmatched, as she began working at Bremer Hardware Store in the mid-1970s, continuing until her final days. Even while homebound, Alice was still sharing her knowledge of the business’ operations with her children and grandchildren. Alice's influence was further recognized when she was honored as one of the Top 10 Older Workers of Missouri and awarded a trip that included a visit to the State Capitol and lunch at the Governor's Mansion nearly a decade ago.

Alice's service extended to numerous organizations, including a 70-year membership with the Bourbon Post 81 American Legion Auxiliary, a lifelong commitment to the Bourbon Boosters Organization, and a valued membership with the Missouri Press Association. She was also an award winning member of the Missouri Community Betterment organization. Alice's love for her town was evident in her long-standing service on the Bourbon Park Board with Warder for over 30 years, her annual opening poem for the Christmas Tree Lighting, and her tireless organization of the Bourbon Fall Festival.

Her writing talents were a gift to those who read her church news columns, the "Did You Know" column in the Cuba Free Press and the heartfelt poems she wrote for Thanksgiving and Christmas each year.

She and Warder cherished family trips, exploring civil war sites, Table Rock Lake, Indian Hills, and scenic Sunday drives after church. Her faith was her cornerstone, with Alice being one of the longtime members of the Concordia Lutheran Church of Bourbon. She served in various capacities, including teaching Sunday school, keeping in touch with homebound members and overseeing the Orphan Grain Train Charity with Mary Buhrkuhl, helping those in need.

Alice adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her home was the heart of family gatherings, with her Super Bowl parties becoming an anticipated tradition for over 25 years. Her ability to make each person feel loved and valued was one of her most endearing qualities.

Alice will not only be dearly missed by her family and friends, but the entire Bourbon Community.

Alice is survived by her four loving children: Vaughn Bremer and wife Donna of Manchester, Missouri, Randolph Bremer and wife Cathy of Bourbon, Missouri, Linnea Caldon and husband Michael of Independence, Kentucky, and Monica Sagehorn and husband Steven of Cuba, Missouri; eight grandchildren: Christlynett Nolie and husband Dennis, Matthew Bremer and wife Abbie, Athena Thacker and husband John, Justin Bouse and wife Melinda, Marcus Bremer, Charles Brockway, Laura Oliver and husband Joe and Sarah Faught and husband Derek; 18 great – grandchildren; a sister in law, Brenda Armstrong and husband Leonard of Bourbon, Missouri; a dear friend, Mary Heywood; other relatives and many, many friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Warder Bremer; a granddaughter, Andrea Bremer; her parents, Charles and Olga Crawford; a sister, Dorothea Halfaker and husband Dwight; and a brother, Alfred Crawford.

Funeral services will be 1 PM, Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at the Concordia Lutheran Church in Bourbon with Pastors Robert Knapp and Dennis Rodemeier officiating. Interment will follow at the Bourbon Cemetery.

Visitation will be 10 AM – 1 PM, Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at the Concordia Lutheran Church prior to the funeral service.

Friends may send their online condolences to Alice’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com

Memorial contributions may be made to the Concordia Lutheran Church or the Bourbon Booster Organization. Memorials may be mailed to: Bremer Hardware and Lumber, PO Box 66, Bourbon, Missouri 65441

All arrangements are under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.