Bernard J Fremerman Obituary (1926 - 2020)

Bernard Jacob Fremerman passed away peacefully at home on April 18, 2020, from dementia (the result of strokes related to coronary artery disease) just two weeks after he celebrated his 94th birthday. Bernie was born in Kansas City, Missouri, to James and Jean Fremerman on April 3, 1926. The oldest of three brothers, he enlisted in the Navy at 18, serving as a Navy storekeeper in the Philippines during World War II. After discharge, GI benefits paid for his mathematics degree from the University of Miami, which led to his working for the university and meeting the love of his life, Judy Block. The two married and moved to Kansas City. They had three daughters, and a son who died at birth. Bernie also studied economics and business in grad school at UMKC. Bernie and his brother Marvin went into business together making drive-in movie theater tapes. He also took care of the books and repairs for his wife’s Montessori school. Bernie was a kind man who valued justice and strived to do what was right. He was brilliant, resourceful, a lifelong learner who read constantly, wrote many letters-to-the-editor, and inspired his children to be deep critical thinkers. Bernie organized and fundraised to support Israel after a trip there in the 1970s touched his heart. Bernie taught himself coding and built a personal computer from a kit long before PCs were common, so that he could analyze cycles in the stock market. For many years the study of cycles in nature and economics was his passion and he published on this topic in the journal Cycles. Bernie was a member of Mensa and groups that discussed physics, economics, paranormal phenomenon and more. At home he was the Daddy who could build or fix anything. He was generous with his time. Neighbors remember he was always there to help. He was a regular blood donor for many years too. Bernie questioned everything and never gave away his agency to experts. When diagnosed with three blocked arteries and angina in his 60s, he refused the only medical treatment offered by his cardiologist — by-pass surgery and drugs, arguing that these things did little to stop progression of the disease and came with unacceptable side effects. So instead Bernie (clearly ahead of his time) made dramatic lifestyle changes that reversed his heart disease symptoms and left him feeling better than ever. He maintained excellent health for the seven years that he strictly followed a plant-based diet. But after that he struggled to remain compliant falling off and getting back on the wagon repeatedly. His family still enjoys the delicious lentil soup and Israeli salad that he taught them to make. Bernie was an avid handball player who also enjoyed golf and softball. A motorcycle, a dozen horses and a small farm raising beef cattle (prior to the heart disease) were among his hobbies at various times. He played both the harmonica and the violin, and loved listening to classical string quartets and symphonies. Bernie was a loving father and grandfather who built a “Batmobile,” rope swings, a playhouse with electricity, a doll house and a full-size ping-pong table from an old garage door that assembled like a puzzle using no nails or screws and could be stored flat. He perpetually created engaging opportunities that amused and educated his children and grandchildren for whom he had endless patience and warmth. Though his memory faded, what remained to the end was his sense of humor and desire to be with Judy. Bernie leaves behind his wife of 69 years, Judy Fremerman; his younger brother Marvin Fremerman; three adult daughters, Kerry Fremerman, Leslie Fanelli and her husband Gregory Matthews and JoAnn Farb and her husband Joe Farb; and three adult grandchildren, Joe Fanelli, Sarina Farb and Samantha Farb. Many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and his best friend Charlie the dog will miss him terribly too. Bernie was preceded in death by his parents and brother Stanley Fremerman. A small graveside service took place at Mount Carmel in Kansas City on Monday April 20. Because of the pandemic only 10 family members were allowed to attend. The family would really appreciate you honoring him and adding your memories to the online memorial created at: www.everhere.com/us/obituaries/mo/kansas-city/bernard-j-fremerman-10731308. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Heartland Hospice, JewishVeg.com or the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.