Mrs. Gromer was a cook at the former Schlosser’s Restaurant in downtown Belleville, and she worked at Main Street Market. Fern loved making breakfast for her family every Sunday, biscuits and gravy were her specialty. She maintained an orderly household and kept her family looking sharp with her ironing skills. Fern especially enjoyed vacationing with her family.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Thomas “A.D.” Gromer, who died on February 5, 2015; two sons, Gary Gromer and William Gromer; her parents, Lige and Irene, nee Baker, Starkey Dempsey; two sisters, Jerry Kempfer and Janice Haas; three brothers, Morris Starkey, Bobby Starkey, and Junior Dempsey.
Surviving are two daughters, Barbara (Robert) Jaco of Belleville, IL, and Kim (Monty) Powers of Smithton, IL; four grandchildren, Lori (Gary) Thielemann, Bill (Tammy) Powers, Daren Powers, and Monica (Josh) Henry; four great-grandchildren; Rebecca (Alex) Thielmann, Payton Powers, Bryce Powers, and Lilynn Henry; a brother, Cliff (Arlene) Starkey; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to Hospice of Southern Illinois. Condolences may be expressed online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 12, 2022, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 12, 2022, at George Renner and Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, with Pastor Hal Santos officiating. Burial will follow at Walnut Hill Cemetery, Belleville, IL.