Memorial Day, Bear Creek
I saw an event promotion on Sunday evening for a Memorial Day ceremony happening at the Danish Cemetery in Bear Creek on Monday at 9:30. I parked near multiple pick-up trucks on Oak Rd, located in the country next to farm fields with big old trees surrounding the cemetery’s green grass. American flags detailed the gravesites of service members. An elder shared that many members of Grace Lutheran church were buried in that cemetery. The honors detail was assembling, servicemen in military uniform prepared for the “Flags-In” ceremony, laying wreaths, and honoring the fallen. A 21 gun salute and taps solemnly ended the ceremony.
After the first ceremony, a point of community interest was shared with me. Sisters from Grace Lutheran church shared their concerns about the local Premier Bank closing soon. It has been in the community since 1945. One sister worked there for over 30 years. She said that the original Bank owner, Dick Pamperin, would roll over in his grave if he knew it was closing down. They shared that many people in Black Creek don’t have cars to commute to a neighboring town. I took a couple notes and they provided directions to the next ceremony at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, “Go through the stop sign and a few miles. It will be on your left.”
The honors detail and priest honored the fallen again. I left and thanked each member for the honorable ceremony. Observers made their way to downtown Bear Creek where the parade would begin at 11:00. I noticed the giant garage doors at the fire department were wide open. Preparations for a cook-out were in motion. I recognized the Fire Department Lieutenant and Secretary to the Treasurer, Ken. He came to my coffeeshop a few times while building the highway 15 bypass. I shared my efforts to run for Assembly 56 and asked how things are at the fire department. He shared that the written test was quite obscure, and with an engineering background and a 4.0 GPA while being a student, even he thought it could be better administered. He said that the nature of the test has kept firefighters back from operating at their full potential. I was grateful for the information and want to learn more about this sticking point.
Lastly, it was with recommendation to visit Bear Creek for their annual Sauerkraut festival in early August, I can’t wait! Here’s a news article from the 2025 festival, Bear Creek is the Sauerkraut capitol of the world! Mary’s Sauerkraut Festival Returns to Bear Creek for 61st Year | TCHDailyNews
5/26 Follow-up on Premier Bank closing details. I spoke with Robin Christian, the Senior Vice President of Retail, this afternoon. She has been with the bank for 12 years and shared the scope as to why the Bear Creek branch would soon be closing. It was not a decision that came lightly for Tom Pamperin and the board of directors, the community was shrinking with about 250 people residing in the village of Bear Creek. After reduced hours, and drive-thru only strategies to stay open, it no longer made sense to not be breaking even. Their branch offices in Manawa and Marion will be able to serve members in Bear Creek. She shared their banking initiative to offer remote deposit and free safety boxes for life for said members. Premier Bank will continue to support Clintonville schools with their annual scholarships they offer to students in the district, including Bear Creek.
