Kenneth R. Kreiger

Kenneth R. Kreiger, 77, of Mansfield, passed away Saturday afternoon, April 16, 2016, at Hospice of North Central Ohio in Ashland, Ohio. He was born May 23, 1938, in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late Raymond E. and Olga E. (Chahulski) Kreiger.

Ken graduated from Madison High School in 1956. His genuine concern and caring for everyone was evident throughout his life. From proudly serving his country in the U.S. Army Reserves, to his involvement in the community and workplace, Ken was a tireless contributor. He retired as a tool and die maker after 41 years of service with General Motors. He was very active in the UAW Local #549 and was a representative of the tool and die makers for 16 years. Prior to his own retirement, Ken instructed UAW retirement classes at General Motors. A busy man even in retirement, he helped oversee the daily operations of the K.E. McCartney Building for many years.

His civic duties were not taken lightly and Ken was a strong supporter of the Richland County Democratic Party and formerly served as Vice Chairman. He was a past member of the Board of Elections and was awarded Democrat of the Year, the Spirit of Democracy (K.E. McCartney Award) and the John J. Rinehardt Lifetime Achievement Award. Ken's memberships included Moose Lodge #341; Mansfield Liederkranz; Sons of Herman; Amvets Post #26; and Lexington/Shelby Elks Club. He was very outgoing and friendly and made friends wherever he went.

Ken was an avid collector of Checker Cabs and enjoyed attending car shows. He was a member of the American Motorcycle Association (life member); Checker Car Club of America; Cushman Scooter Club of America; NC Beach Buggy Association; and 8 Track Tape Club of America. Anything with a motor was fascinating and fun for him including motorcycles and snowmobiles. He enjoyed the peacefulness of being on the open road and the excitement of trial riding.

Even though he was very active in the community, his first and most important priority was his family. Witty and wise, he devoted his attention to them and made sure each one knew how special they were to him. His legacy of love, encouragement, selflessness and commitment to others will live on in their lives. He was a great example of what a true man should be: honest, genuine and loving.

Left to cherish his memory are the love of his life, wife Deanna (Davey) Kreiger; children, Kenneth (Lori) Kreiger of Marion, IN, and Donald (Mary Beth) McKim of Goodyear, AZ; grandchildren, Dustin (Stephanie) Kreiger, Nichole (Michael) Cutlip, Alexandrea Mullins, Joshua Mullins, Angelina Goodwin, Brian (Jessica) Zuber, Jason Krzeminski and Josh (Tara) Krzeminski; and fourteen great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, Raymond E. Kreiger of Mansfield; brother-in-law, Roger Davey of Mansfield; and special, loving family member, Ethel G. McKim.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Natalie Kreiger Goodwin; granddaughter, Karey Scott; brother, James Kreiger; and brother-in-law, Richard Davey.

The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, April 21, 2016, at the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 98 S. Diamond St., Mansfield. The funeral service conducted by Rev. Gerald Wolleson will be held Friday at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Burial in Mansfield Cemetery with military honors presented by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail will follow the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of North Central Ohio or the Richland County Democratic Party Building Fund.