Michael Kremper IV

Michael William Kremper IV was born August 8, 1974, and departed this life on April 23, 2025, at his home in Mansfield, Missouri, at the age of 50 years, 8 months, and 15 days.

In 1974, Michael was born in Ocean County, New Jersey. He was born into a military family, and like many children of military families, he would live in numerous places throughout his childhood. Michael comes from a long line of Military service which includes his father who served in the United States Army. Naturally, after graduating high school in South Carolina he answered the call to service, following the footsteps of his father, and enlisted in the Navy on April 05, 1994.

Michael’s Navy career was very distinguished, making Naval history by being the youngest service member to earn the rank of Chief Petty Officer in the Navy. His primary specialty was as a Military Investigator. However, he also was a sharp shooter, Master at Arms, and was the commander of the Military Police Security Reaction Forces, which provides rapid response to high risk situations. He was also assigned a K9 named Rex. His partnership with Rex was a career highlight, several successful drug raids and other high risk operations were completed because of their partnership. He was a true patriot and loved serving his country. He enjoyed training others, especially in firearm training. During his service, he was awarded The National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Expert Pistol Shot Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. After 13 years of service, Michael was honorably discharged in 2004.

Following his Naval career, Michael became an over-the-road truck driver doing long haul trucking. He would then move on doing various jobs, including working for a nutritional supplement company and working as a caregiver for the disabled.

In Michael’s spare time, he enjoyed shooting guns at the outdoor gun range he built. He loved dogs especially his dogs Gunner and Sampson. Michael was a hard worker, always helping others and always putting others first. Pleasing others was his main goal in life. He was caring and loving especially when it came to being a husband, son, and brother.

On October 20, 2019, Michael was united in marriage to Heidi Tillery. This union provided more than just companionship. It provided a new start. As two broken people, both Michael and Heidi grew emotionally and spiritually together, strengthening their bond. Although their time together was short, the impact their relationship had on each other's lives will last forever.

Michael was preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Marian Newton, and Michael Jr. and Elizabeth Kremper.

He is survived by his wife, Heidi Kremper of the home, his parents, Michael III and Linda Kremper of Branson, Missouri, sons, Andrew Araujo and wife, Lauren, of Victorville, California, Austin Jones of St. Louis, Missouri, Ethan Jones and wife, Ana, of Austin, Texas, daughter, Michelle Garrett and husband, Jake, of San Diego, California. He is also survived by his sister, Elise Hart and husband, Joseph, of Ozark, Missouri, as well as three nephews and two nieces, Trent, Trevor, Hannae, Karter, and Alexandria.

Michael was a great husband, son, father, and uncle. He leaves behind a legacy and he will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him. His country will be forever thankful for his dedication and service.

On behalf of the Kremper family, thank you all for the generous donations.  Michael III and Linda Kremper will be matching all donations in the amount of $2,500 to Heidi Kremper.