WatchesNov 05, 2025
Shinola President Steps Down Just as He Starts Former Signet CEO Mark Light will remain president of Shinola until a replacement for Ulrich Wohn is found.
IndependentsDec 16, 2020
Retailer Frank Kumor, ‘Heart and Soul of Bellevue,’ Dies at 71
The jeweler, known for his generosity and commitment to the town he called home, died after contracting the coronavirus.
Frank Kumor, who started working at Erwin’s Jewelers Co. in Bellevue, Nebraska in 1975 and took ownership in 1989, died Dec. 4 after contracting the coronavirus.
Bellevue, Neb.—Frank Kumor, a longtime retailer and staple in his community, died Dec. 4 of complications from COVID-19.
He was 71 years old.
Kumor grew up on a farm west of North Platte, Nebraska.
He got his start in jewelry and watch repair when he was in high school—a local jeweler hired him through a 4-H program to wash the windows and engrave trophies. During his time there, he also learned the ins and outs of jewelry and pursued it after graduation by enrolling in classes at a watchmaking and jewelry repair school in Kansas City.
It also ended up being the place where he met and fell in love with his first wife, Peggy. The two were married on May 1, 1970.
Kumor completed Air Force Basic Training that August at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas amid the Vietnam war and four months later, in December 1970, was certified as an Aircraft Maintenance Specialist in turbo-prop aircraft.
According to an online obituary, at one point in his Air Force career, he could identify every aircraft in service at that time just by the sound of its engine.
After Kumor completed his service, he finished his watch repair and jewelry training, and, upon graduating, was hired by Erwin Dreibus to work at Erwin’s Jewelers Co. in Bellevue, Nebraska.
He moved his family to the city in 1975. At the time it was him, his wife Peggy and their son Brent but they eventually added six more children to the family.
At the same time his family was growing, so too was Kumor’s participation in the Bellevue community, and when he took ownership of the jewelry store in 1989 after Dreibus’ retirement, he upped investment in the city.
Kumor served on the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors, the Olde Towne Task Force, and as president of the Olde Town Merchant’s Association.
He also supported Offut Air Force Base, located adjacent to Bellevue in Sarpy County, acting as a liaison between the base and the community and supporting the 343rd Reconnaissance Squadron, where he served as the co-commander for 15 years.
The giving of his time also included everything from organizing the Christmas light displays to making sure the trash cans along Mission Avenue, on which the store is located, were emptied, his family said in his obituary.
Kumor served for a long time on the Bellevue
Public School Board, eventually selling rings to the next generation of customers—sons and daughters of parents who had bought their wedding rings from him in the 1970s.
His connection to the community and his impact was so greatly felt by everyone, in fact, that on Dec. 8, as his funeral possession passed through town, residents lined the streets to say goodbye, the Omaha World-Herald reported.
“It is just a devastating loss to the community,” Kevin Hensel, president and CEO of the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce, is quoted as telling the news site. “Frank is a true icon in Bellevue, a supporter of everything, be it schools or sports or the Chamber of Commerce. There really is no other. It’s hard to believe he’s not with us.”
A post on a Bellevue Facebook page also called Kumor the “heart and soul of Bellevue,” and many remembered his kindness and generosity in other posts, emphasizing his impact and how almost everyone knew him or had a story about him.
His son Joe told the Omaha World-Herald: “Piles of people would tell me, ‘Tell your dad thank you, he really helped me out when I needed a ring and didn’t have any money.’”
His wife Peggy died in 1998, and though she could never be replaced, Kumor was lucky enough to meet another woman who brought joy into his life. He and Pat married on March 11, 2001, at which time he gained two stepchildren.
Kumor was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Arlene; his sister, Loretta; and his first wife, Peggy.
Kumor is survived by siblings, Neil and Carol; his wife, Pat; seven children: Brent Kumor (Charlie Brown), Rebecca Zurcher (Donnie), Joe Kumor (Vanessa), Elizabeth Williams (Joe), Ben Kumor (Stephanie), John Kumor (Jessica), and Andrew Kumor (Brittanie); two step-children, Kim Godinez (Frank) and David Whisinnand (Becky); and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A private interment was held at Bellevue Cemetery with Military Honors by Offutt Air Force Base Honor Guard and American Legion Post #331.
To honor his memory, his family suggests donating to the Frank Kumor Memorial Scholarship Fund—created in his honor at the Bellevue Public Schools Foundation—the Sarpy County Museum, or the Bellevue Food Pantry.
His connection to the community and his impact was so greatly felt by everyone, in fact, that on Dec. 8, as his funeral possession passed through town, residents lined the streets to say goodbye, the Omaha World-Herald reported.
“It is just a devastating loss to the community,” Kevin Hensel, president and CEO of the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce, is quoted as telling the news site. “Frank is a true icon in Bellevue, a supporter of everything, be it schools or sports or the Chamber of Commerce. There really is no other. It’s hard to believe he’s not with us.”
A post on a Bellevue Facebook page also called Kumor the “heart and soul of Bellevue,” and many remembered his kindness and generosity in other posts, emphasizing his impact and how almost everyone knew him or had a story about him.
His son Joe told the Omaha World-Herald: “Piles of people would tell me, ‘Tell your dad thank you, he really helped me out when I needed a ring and didn’t have any money.’”
His wife Peggy died in 1998, and though she could never be replaced, Kumor was lucky enough to meet another woman who brought joy into his life. He and Pat married on March 11, 2001, at which time he gained two stepchildren.
Kumor was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Arlene; his sister, Loretta; and his first wife, Peggy.
Kumor is survived by siblings, Neil and Carol; his wife, Pat; seven children: Brent Kumor (Charlie Brown), Rebecca Zurcher (Donnie), Joe Kumor (Vanessa), Elizabeth Williams (Joe), Ben Kumor (Stephanie), John Kumor (Jessica), and Andrew Kumor (Brittanie); two step-children, Kim Godinez (Frank) and David Whisinnand (Becky); and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A private interment was held at Bellevue Cemetery with Military Honors by Offutt Air Force Base Honor Guard and American Legion Post #331.
To honor his memory, his family suggests donating to the Frank Kumor Memorial Scholarship Fund—created in his honor at the Bellevue Public Schools Foundation—the Sarpy County Museum, or the Bellevue Food Pantry.
More on Independents
The Latest
AuctionsNov 05, 2025
Taylor Swift’s Engagement Ring Designer Makes Her Auction DebutKindred Lubeck of Artifex has three rings she designed with Anup Jogani in Sotheby’s upcoming Gem Drop sale.
FinancialsNov 05, 2025
Pandora Posts Modest Q3 Sales Growth Amid ‘Weak’ Consumer Sentiment The company focused on marketing in the third quarter and introduced two new charm collections, “Pandora Talisman” and “Pandora Minis.”
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America Aligns New Mission to Create Meaningful Impact for MembersFrom educational programs, advocacy, and recent MJSA affiliation, Jewelers of America drives progress that elevates businesses of all sizes.
FinancialsNov 05, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s Q3 Sales Climb 10%The jewelry retailer raised its full-year guidance, with CFO Jeff Kuo describing the company as “very well positioned” for the holidays.
Weekly QuizOct 30, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Policies & IssuesNov 04, 2025
Supreme Court to Hear Tariffs Case WednesdayAhead of the hearing, two industry organizations co-signed an amicus brief urging the court to declare Trump’s tariffs unlawful.
MajorsNov 04, 2025
Danny Clark to Become Stuller CEO, Succeeding Matt StullerStuller COO Belit Myers will take on the additional role of president, with all changes effective at the start of 2026.
ColumnistsNov 04, 2025
Peter Smith: What Do Birds Have to Do With the Price of Gold? Smith cautions retailers against expending too much energy on things they can’t control, like the rising price of gold.
TrendsNov 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Fall Colors for November BirthdaysCitrine and topaz are birthstones fit for fall as the leaves change color and the holiday season approaches.
CrimeNov 03, 2025
Men Dressed as Construction Workers Burglarize Jeweler’s Home The NYPD is looking for three men who stole a safe and jewelry valued at $3.2 million from the home of a jeweler in Jamaica Hills, Queens.
MajorsNov 03, 2025
Matthew Rosenheim Takes Over as JA Board ChairThe trade organization also announced its executive committee and five new directors.
CollectionsNov 03, 2025
Muse’s ‘Have a Heart’ Collab Returns, Now With DDGThe “Have a Heart x Diamonds Do Good” collection is championed by model and humanitarian Flaviana Matata and will benefit her foundation.
AuctionsNov 03, 2025
Kashmir Sapphire Ring Tops Christie's Online AuctionThe ring, set with a nearly 17-carat Kashmir cabochon sapphire, sold for $1 million.
TrendsOct 31, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Spinner Fit for ‘Frankenstein’This “Mother Father” spinner necklace from Heavenly Vices Fine Jewelry draws inspiration from Victorian Era jewelry.
CrimeOct 31, 2025
5 More Arrested in Louvre Heist, Jewelry Still Missing The suspects were rounded up in Paris and its suburbs on Wednesday night, but none of the stolen jewels were recovered with them.
Recorded WebinarsOct 31, 2025
Watch: How to Master Google Reviews for Your BusinessExperts share top tips on how to encourage positive reviews and handle negative feedback.
Supplier BulletinOct 30, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
CrimeOct 30, 2025
29-Year-Old Man Charged in Multiple Seattle-Area Smash and Grabs The suspect faces charges in the August robbery of Menashe & Sons Jewelers and is accused of committing smash and grabs at two pawn shops.
Lab-GrownOct 30, 2025
Alison Lou’s New Collection Uses Lab-Grown Diamonds and ResinThe “Lumière Fine” collection was born from designer Alison Chemla’s interest in the transformative power of light.
TrendsOct 30, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: A Haunted HalloweenShow off your spooky side with these 12 festive jewels.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2025
Jewelers Mutual to Host Jewelry Panel at Frazier History MuseumThe “Brilliant & Beyond” panel coincides with the “Love & Marriage” exhibition curated by Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Kentucky.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
October Brings Little Change to Consumer Confidence Consumers are feeling more optimistic about their present situation while the short-term future remains a little scary.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
Couture Partners With Time to WatchesThe company, which organizes a watch show in Geneva every spring, will bring a selection of watch brands to the 2026 Couture show in Vegas.
TrendsOct 29, 2025
Beth Bernstein Releases Vintage Jewelry Guide“The Modern Guide to Vintage Jewellery” follows the evolution of jewelry design from the ‘30s to the ‘80s with buying and styling advice.
EditorsOct 29, 2025
Why Creepy, Crawly Bugs Inspire Beautiful JewelryFor her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow explores the symbolism behind spiders, beetles, and other eerie insects.
Events & AwardsOct 28, 2025
Meet the 2026 Gem Award NomineesNotable jewelry designers, members of the press, and retailers are up for an award at next year’s gala.
