Howard W. Kreitz, age 87, of Juniper Village, 455 Chestnut Street, Meadville, PA for the past two years, died Friday, December 16th, 2011 at Crawford County Care Center, Saegertown where he had been for two days. He had been in failing health for the past several months. Born in Cambridge Township, Crawford County on May 21, 1924, where he lived for most of his entire life, Howard was a son of the late Harvey Kreitz and Amy Dean Kreitz. On July 29, 1950 he married the former Beryl A. Williams Kreitz and she survives.
Following his high school education, he attended Penn State University and then attended and graduated from Allegheny College in 1951 and later from Edinboro University in 1975 where he received a Masters Degree in Biology. A very special part of Howard’s life was growing up on the family farm and delivering milk for Rose Garden Dairy. Later his interests in farming continued in the ownership and operation of beef and dairy cattle. The farm which was a producer of maple syrup was featured in a book “Miracles on Maple Hill”. From 1970 until 1990, when he retired, Howard taught 9th grade school at Meadville Junior High.
A lifetime member for 65 years of the Cambridge Springs United Methodist Church, Howard was primarily active there as a well known bass singer soloist and serving as the Choir Director for more than 44 years. Howard also shared his singing talents as a member of the Tetrachords quartet know in the area during the 60’s and 70’s. As a member of SPEBSQUA barbershop quartet for 17 years, his talents took him to performances in New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. In addition, Howard’s talents for play acting and singing lead roles for plays presented by the Cambridge Springs Theater Group drew popular acclaim. He played the character “Curley” in Oklahoma, and had lead roles in Li’l Abner, South Pacific, and other local productions.
Howard was a member of Cambridge Springs Masonic Lodge #473 which he entered on October 12, 1945 and where he was a past master in 1960. (Masonic services will be held Wednesday at a time to be announced.) The Lodge recognized Howard’s membership of 65 years last year.
Preceding Howard in death, in addition to his parents, were two sisters -Dr. Ruth Kreitz and Marjorie Hipple. Surviving Howard in addition to his wife – Beryl, of 61 years, are two children – Douglas A. Kreitz and his wife, Kelly of Cummings, GA; and Darcie Ann Thayer of Cambridge Springs; and three grandchildren – Christian Kreitz, Anie Kreitz, and Melina Thayer.
Friends may call at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home in Cambridge Springs on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 11:00am at the Cambridge Springs United Methodist Church with Reverend Jeff Bobbin, Pastor of the Church, officiating. Interment will be in Mitchell Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Church located at 326 South Main Street, Cambridge Springs, 16403 or to the Masonic Lodge, South Main Street, Cambridge Springs, PA, 16403.
Dear Mrs. Kreitz & Family,
We are only now getting to tell all of our father’s (Joe Dickey) friends that he died on October 6th, 2011. I remember meeting both of you several times. Dad spoke of Howard often, and we are very grateful to know that he had an enduring friendship with Howard throughout life. We are very sorry that we were not able to stay in better touch via the mail in recent years. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Susan & Patrice Dickey (daughters of Joe & Mary Beth Dickey)
We were very sorry to hear of Howards passing. He was my oldest living friend, we date back to about 1940 when my father came to Cambridge Springs as the new Methodist minister. Howard,s father and mother were leading members of the church. We were in the high school Band, Choris, etc. Howard was one year ahead of me but we were close friends.
Mrs. Kreitz and family,
Our deepest sympathy.
Jim & Linda LaScola
My Dear Friend Darcie,
Although I didn’t know your father personally, I knew him through YOU…
What a beautiful writing about your father, a man of many talents and accomplishments! My thoughts & prayers to you & Melina during your time of sorrow.
He suffers no more…
I love you my friend…
It was with great sadness that we read about Howard’s passing today. He was larger than life in every way. The obituary reminded us of so many ways that made him unforgettable and endearing: his magnificent bass voice, his way of passing on funny stories, his faithful leading of the choir at the C.S. United Methodist Church & his participation, with us, in many years of theater group productions, to mention a few.
Doug and Darcie, we recall very vividly the great love & pride he showed when he talked about you two. He obviously felt very blessed in his family and in his life. Beryl, talking about a helpmate: you win first place! You, tiny in comparison to him in former years, were mighty in energy and tender loving care. Altogether a heaven-guided combination! Know that we will be thinking of you, your children and grandchildren during this Christmas season and beyond.
Kelly, Doug, Annie, Christian, Beryl,
We are so sorry for your loss. It seems that Howard was a man full of surprises. Thinking of you at this time,
Love,
Sharon, Ken, Kaylee and Kristie
Beryl, Darcie and Doug-
We’re very sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.