Merle Anne Kremen Obituary (1927 - 2022) - St. Louis Park, Minnesota

Merle Anne Kremen, born 3.21.1927, age 95, of St. Louis Park, MN, passed away Jun 20, 2022. Preceded in death by husband, Dr. Zenith Kremen, DDS; parents, Alex and Zelda (Papermaster) Epstein, sister, Shirleymae Lane. Survived by daughters, Kathy (David) Cooper and Bettejane "BJ" (Simon) Goldman; grandchildren, Abby Cooper (Michael Baill), Isaac Goldman (Emily), Dr. Bronia (Goldman) Agress (Dr. Josh) and Henry Goldman; and great-grandchildren, Benny Baill, Ruthie Lois Goldman, and Zoey Pearl Goldman, and numerous nieces and nephews. Born in Devil’s Lake, North Dakota, Merle Anne, was a granddaughter of the revered Rav Benyomin Papermaster (see JHSUM- Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest.) Merle Anne exemplified the ideals and character of Rabbi Papermaster. She had a deep understanding of Jewish education, continuity and the Jewish soul. She and her beloved husband Zenith supported many Jewish institutions and upheld strong Jewish values. Merle Anne had a very fulfilled life---blessed with beauty, chein both inside and out, and many accomplishments. Merle Anne was multi-talented—she had a BA and MA cum laude from the U of MN in drama, music and education. She was a creative dramatist, musician, artist and teacher. She and her dear sister, Shirleymae Lane, a’h, of whom she would emulate and revere, would compete in and win the state piano duet competitions. She was well-known for her one-woman playreading/musical performances to women’s groups and schools in the Twin Cities and throughout the state, for which she adapted musicals of the day, bringing characters to life in script and song. To quote Dr. EW Ziebarth, former head of the U of MN Dept of Speech and former president of the U of MN, “Merle Anne Kremen is a sensitive and imaginative person whose reading has flexibility and dramatic intensity that makes her characters live and breathe.” She was known as a “female Rich Little. . . can do impressions of any voice.” In her private life, Merle Anne exemplified the highest level of Sholom Bayit. She was a true Eishet Chayil to her devoted husband, Zenith, of over 67 years, and a wonderful mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a very devoted daughter to her parents as well. Merle Anne and Zenith were an amazing team, and she hosted and prepared gourmet meals at innumerable Shabbat and Yom tov meals, and special events in their home. Merle Anne had the fine character trait of enduring humility, always seeing the good in everyone and everything, judging favorably, being the Rodef Sholom, and giving of herself to her family, friends, synagogue and community. Her inner simcha radiated outward in her effervescent smile and personality. She will truly be missed. With highest thanks to the wonderful loving angels who took care of Merle Anne on a daily basis: Tutu Bettie, Vickey Korlewala Doe, Kahdijah Simms, Irene Wrehyou, Winsome Davis Martin, Kamiel Houston, Valerie Rikkola, and Serena and George Marshall of Abundant Life Home Health Care, LLC, and their team (Julia, Baindu, Comfort, Morris and Valerie). Donations can be made to the Sholom Home Alex and Zelda Epstein Education Fund. Graveside service TUESDAY, June 21, 2022 at 4:30pm, ADATH YESHURUN CEMETERY, 5605 France Ave. S., Edina. Graveside service also on zoom and shiva hours only on zoom, email zoom5@hodroffepstein.com for the links. Shiva hours Tuesday evening June 21, 7-9 p.m. Wed-Thurs, June 22-23 and Sunday: 10:30-11:30 a.m., 1-2 p.m., 4-5 p.m., 7-9 p.m. Friday: 10:30-11:30 a.m., 1-2 p.m., 4-5 p.m.