He served four years as an at-large council member. Then he served an unprecedented 16 years as mayor. He decided not to run again this year.

His long tenure as mayor surpassed that of Albert Habhab, who served 14 years from 1960 to 1974.

Barring some kind of an emergency that requires a special council meeting, Bemrich ended his career as mayor during Monday’s meeting, the last regularly scheduled one of the year.

The meeting room was packed with his family, friends and supporters, whom he thanked publicly.

-Messenger photo by Bill Shea
Fort Dodge City Manager David Fierke presents a plaque to Councilwoman Lydia Schuur Monday recognizing her for eight years on the council. She was elected in 2017 and reelected in 2021.

First, he singled out his wife, Michele, whom he called his No. 1 cheerleader and “one of the people to take complaints on my behalf.”

He thanked his parents and sister for “always being there.”

To his supporters he said, “Parts of your life touched my life to help me do this job.”

He also thanked the city staff.

“They’re the ones doing the hardest work day after day,” he said.

Bemrich said his goal was to leave the city better than when he found it when he took office.

“I damn well think I left it better than I found it,” he said.

He received a standing ovation.

Bemrich wasn’t the only one bidding farewell to city government Monday.

It was also the last meeting for council members Quennel McCaleb and Lydia Schuur. Both of them decided not to seek reelection this year.

Schuur served two terms as an at-large council member, while McCaleb served one term as an at-large council member.

Bemrich, McCaleb and Schuur joined together to rap the gavel signifying the end of the council meeting.