KREMER OIL TO CLOSE ITS DOORS AFTER 41 YEARS

For over forty-one years Ronnie Kremer has owned and operated Kremer Oil Company in Iona. Ronnie is the latest in a long line of businessmen who’ve operated on the property in the heart of Iona, and though the buildings and names have changed, the iconic service and gasoline station plus small convenience store has proudly served the community for generations. But now Ronnie plans to close the doors on July 31st and try retirement. The humble businessman quietly explains that it’s just time.

Ronnie and his wife Sandy purchased the filling station and repair shop shortly after they graduated from high school. About ten years later, in 1989, Ronnie and Sandy removed the old building and replaced it with the current building that stands there today. “It’s the only business I’ve ever owned, and it was fun,” said Ronnie. When asked what he is most proud of he said, “My Kids and Grand Kids.”

For many years the shop was open from 7:00am - 11:00pm, seven days a week. Even though he trimmed the hours the last several years, he’s still been open from 8:00-7pm six days, and closed at noon on Sundays. The Kremers and their five children covered all of those hours and occasionally employed local kids to help out. And for many years Ronnie pumped the gas for his customers! His daughter Karen said, “Not many people would pump gas in all kinds of weather. My dad also plowed driveways and just helped people out doing a little bit of everything. When I was a kid and would tell my friends who my dad was, they would say ‘oh, the one who gives us Tootsie Rolls!’”

In December of 2020, Ronnie sold the gas pumps to Chandler Co-Op Cenex so there is still gasoline available in town at the pump. Ronnie is interested in selling his store and repair shop, stating, “It would be good for a young kid with mechanical ability.” But after so many years of dedicated service to his community, he’s ready for a change. His family is hosting an informal get-together on Sunday, July 31st beginning at 10:00am at the shop. They encourage everyone to bring their own chair and cooler and they will serve hot dogs until they are gone. It will be a fun opportunity to thank Ronnie and Sandy for everything their family has given to the community of Iona.