Independents

Retailer Frank Kumor, ‘Heart and Soul of Bellevue,’ Dies at 71

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.

20201216_Frank-Kumor.jpg
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 Foundationthe Sarpy County Museum, or the Bellevue Food Pantry.
Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Dana J. Lorberg
MajorsNov 04, 2024
Jewelers Mutual Appoints Mastercard Exec to Its Board

Dana J. Lorberg brings 35 years of experience in finance, technology, and strategy to the role.

FBI robbery surveillance photo
CrimeNov 04, 2024
FBI Offering $15K Reward for Info on Halloween Mask-Wearing Robbers

The suspects are said to have been involved in the armed robberies of four jewelry stores across three Midwest states.

Models wearing Black Sand Pebble ring and Surf bracelet
CollectionsNov 04, 2024
John Hardy’s New Jewels Turn the Black Sands of Bali into Diamonds

The new designs blend Creative Director Reed Krakoff’s aesthetic with the brand’s Balinese roots.

Jewelers Mutual Group Cybersecurity
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for Jewelers

From protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.

Artist Reena Ahluwalia “Pristine” painting
SourcingNov 01, 2024
Reena Ahluwalia Donates Diamond Painting to Benefit CJA

The artwork, titled “Pristine,” was raffled off at the Canadian Jewellers Association’s recent summit.

Weekly QuizOct 31, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Sydney Evan x Wicked “Spell Book” coin charm
CollectionsNov 01, 2024
Piece of the Week: Sydney Evan Gets ‘Wicked’

Designer Rosanne Karmes has created a collection to coincide with the release of the movie musical, which is expected to be a blockbuster.

Charles & Colvard moissanite ring
FinancialsOct 31, 2024
Charles & Colvard Faces Possible Nasdaq Delisting

The retailer said it will file the necessary paperwork to regain compliance as soon as it is able.

Article-Top-Image.jpg
Brought to you by
Enhance Your Expertise with IGI’s In-Person Courses in NYC

This fall, sharpen your skills in jewelry grading, quality control and diamond assessment.

National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsOct 31, 2024
Peter Smith: Nervous Flyers and Emotional Selling

Whether you’re calming the jittery gentleman in seat 13B or selling a diamond ring to a hesitant customer, an empathetic approach is best.

Annie E. Doresca, Grant Mobley, Alexis Padis, Terry Chandler
Events & AwardsOct 31, 2024
WJA Will Celebrate 4 Award Winners at ‘Future of Forty’ Gala

The gala includes a red carpet, music from DJ Renata, an awards program, and “mystery boxes.”

Instore show 2025
Events & AwardsOct 31, 2024
The Instore Show Returns To Chicago Area

The trade show, in its third year, will take place in late September at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois.

Constance Polamalu
Lab-GrownOct 31, 2024
Q&A: Constance Polamalu on Selling Natural and Lab-Grown Diamonds

The jeweler shared her change of heart on lab-grown diamonds and why she keeps them separate from natural diamonds in her business ventures.

Gem Awards New York City
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2024
These Designers, Journalists, and Retailers Are Up for a Gem Award

The 2025 Gem Awards are scheduled to take place March 14 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.

Peggy Grosz
MajorsOct 30, 2024
Peggy Grosz Leaves Assael After Company Is Sold

Grosz had served as Assael’s senior vice president and creative director since 2017.

CD Peacock Love and Celebration Rings
CollectionsOct 30, 2024
CD Peacock Honors Its Hometown of Chicago in First Bridal Collection

“Love and Celebration” is the jeweler’s first in-house collection featuring engagement rings, wedding bands, and celebration rings.

Hands pushing a shopping cart
SurveysOct 30, 2024
Consumer Confidence Rebounds in October

A more positive view of the labor market contributed to the strongest monthly gain since March 2021.

Mejuri store
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2024
Mejuri to Award $50K in Scholarships to Jewelry Design Students

The funds will be distributed to schools in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.

Jewelers’ Security Alliance President Jennifer Mulvihill
MajorsOct 29, 2024
Cybersecurity Expert Selected as President of Jewelers’ Security Alliance

Jennifer Mulvihill, the first woman to lead JSA in the organization’s 141-year history, takes over for the retiring John Kennedy.

20241030_NYCJW.jpg
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2024
The Can’t-Miss Events of 2024 New York City Jewelry Week

This year’s festivities include more than 100 experiences, such as designer showcases, panel discussions, and even a treasure hunt.

Edgar Mitchell’s Rolex GMT-Master Pepsi
AuctionsOct 29, 2024
Rolex Worn on Apollo 14 Mission Sells for More Than $2M

The GMT-Master “Pepsi” that belonged to astronaut Edgar Mitchell is one of two Apollo-flown Rolex watches ever sold at auction.

Pandora ambassadors Chloe Bailey, Halle Bailey, and Pamela Anderson
MajorsOct 29, 2024
Pandora’s Holiday Campaign, New Jewelry Celebrate Light and Love

The ads star brand ambassadors Chloe and Halle Bailey and Pamela Anderson.

Stock image of a diamond engagement ring
SourcingOct 29, 2024
De Beers’ Production Drops 25% as Demand Remains Sluggish

The company combined two sights in Q3 due to the slowdown in demand, and said it is moving up the dates for sights 9 and 10 in Q4.

Monica Rich Kosann
EditorsOct 28, 2024
Q&A: Monica Rich Kosann Looks Back on 20 Years

The jewelry designer discussed how she got into the jewelry industry, what she keeps in her favorite locket, and the future of her brand.

Jewelers for Children Rock the Costume Showdown graphic
MajorsOct 28, 2024
Jewelers for Children’s Halloween Costume Contest Rocks

Participants can buy five votes for $5 to decide which jeweler will dress up as an ‘80s rockstar for Halloween.

Katy Briscoe carved indicolite Persian cat ring
TrendsOct 28, 2024
Amanda’s Spooky Style File

These 15 pieces of jewelry hand-picked ahead of Halloween appeal to the costume- and candy-loving child in all of us.

Executives at the Bulgari Ritz Carlton ribbon cutting ceremony
MajorsOct 25, 2024
This New Bulgari Boutique Is on a Yacht

Starboard Luxury is bringing the Italian brand aboard The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s newest yacht.

Mourning Jewelry Pendant
CollectionsOct 25, 2024
Piece of the Week: A Haunting Piece of Mourning Jewelry

The pendant, circa the late 1700s, likely was commissioned to remember a loved one who died young.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy