Robert Anderson Kreider of Vestavia Hills, AL, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2014 after a lengthy illness and having had time to visit with his family and friends. He was born in Washington, Iowa on June 23, 1926 to Harry Geril and Anna Elizabeth Anderson Kreider. He graduated from Benton Harbor Michigan High School in 1944 and joined the U.S. Navy during W.W. II as a Morse Code specialist. He served in the Pacific Theater on the U.S.S. Hamul and was honorably discharged in 1946. After service to his country, Bob attended Grinnell College, Grinnell, Iowa, receiving his BA degree. While at Grinnell, Bob meet his first wife, Esther Jean Sunnen, of St. Louis, MO. After college, Bob was employed by Sunnen Products Co. of St. Louis. He eventually moved his family to Birmingham, AL and was manager of Huttig Sash and Door Company for a number of years, retiring at age 63. He later was advisor to his wife, Esther, who was at that time Voting Trustee of Sunnen Co. Bob also built and sold homes at Sea Side and Carillon Beaches, FL. Bob was a dedicated Christian and a longtime member of Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church, where he had served on the board. He had also served on the Central Budget Committee of the United Way of Birmingham. Bob was a member of the Vestavia Country Club and served as house chairman for several years. He enjoyed many happy hours of golf with his friends of the Blue Tee dogfight. He was a member of the Southeast Senior Golfing Assoc., and had golfed over the United States, Nova Scotia, Bermuda, the Bahamas and Scotland. He had been blessed to travel over much of the world. After the loss of his wife, Esther, Bob married Sue Goodwin Castleberry. They were married for 14 years, living in Vestavia and summering in Ennis, Montana, enjoying visits from their children, grandchildren, and friends. They loved being able to share this beautiful part of America with all. While in Montana, they were active at Trinity Episcopal Church of Jeffers, Montana. They made many friends in this area. Bob was preceded in death by his mother and father, his wife Esther Sunnen Kreider, his sister Betty Kreider Phillips of Culloma, Mich, his brother and sister-in-law, Harry and Cassie Kreider of Dove Canyon, CA, and his first grandson, Sterling Edwards Kreider of Birmingham. He is survived by his wife Sue Goodwin Kreider, his children, Matthew Kreider (Sandra), Jeff Kreider (Peggy), Timothy Kreider (Deanna), Lisa Elmore (Al), and Andrew Kreider (Charlene). Step children, Malinda Lewis (Jimmy), Mason Fischer (Anne), Dr. John Fischer (Karen), and Suzanne Fischer. Many grandchildren and step grandchildren, Miller Kreider, (Anne), Sammy Kreider, Mattie Kreider, Steven Kreider, “Toby” Kreider, Ruthie Elmore Borrelli (Aaron), Elizabeth Elmore, Albert Elmore, Anderson Elmore, Sophie Kreider, John Agricola, Amanda Agricola, Tyler Lewis, Evelyn Lewis, Stewart Lewis, Christian Fischer, John Fischer, Rachael Fischer, Sam Fischer, Bowen Fischer, J.D. Abst, Lee Abst, and Lindsey Abst. Bob is also survived by his sister Helen Kreider Wilson of Huntsville, AL and sister-in-law and brother-in-law Helen Sunnen Sly and Nelson Sly of West Hartford, Conn. The family wishes to thank all the caring nurses and staff of East Glen Nursing and Rehab, and Optimum Hospice. Bob was a devoted husband, father, and friend. He wished to be remembered by donations to Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, or your own personal favorite charity. Celebration of Life services will be held at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, May 28, 2014 at Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church with visitation from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM.
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