Eugene Anthony Kreyche

1924 - 2022

Eugene (Gene) A. Kreyche of Placentia, loving husband and father of three children,

grandfather of three and great-grandfather of two, passed away on January 23, 2022 at

age 97. Gene was born October 21,1924 in Racine, Wisconsin to Harold and Henrietta

Kreyche, the middle child of five.

 

Upon graduation from high school, Gene enlisted in the United States Army in 1943 and

served with distinction in an infantry parachute regiment during World War II, earning

Purple Heart and Bronze Star commendations during service in the European Theater.

He was honorably discharged in 1945 with the rank of sergeant and then returned to

Chicago, marrying Laurel M. Dauer in 1947.

 

Gene earned his B.A. from DePaul University and his M.A. in Speech from

Northwestern University. Thereafter, Gene (who his family called “Bud”) began his

teaching career at a catholic boys’ academy in Laporte, Indiana.

In 1955, Gene and his young family moved to Whittier California where he began

teaching at California High School. Gene’s career advanced in public school

administration. He served as principal of El Rancho High School in Pico Rivera in the

mid 1960’s. He was an avid supporter of that school’s many football and other

successes.

 

In 1975 Gene and Laurel moved to Placentia, California when he became Assistant

Superintendent in the Placentia Unified School District. He made many friends among

work colleagues and others. After he retired from full-time employment there, Gene

continued to teach at California State University, Fullerton in the Education Department,

supervising student teachers. He was dedicated to the mission of preparing teachers for

future generations of students in the California public schools.

 

Gene was athletic and fit, enjoying a variety of outdoor activities such as camping,

fishing, hiking, cycling and tennis. He enjoyed cross-country road trips and hardly ever

passed up stopping at historical markers off the beaten path. At age 60 he cycled

across the state of Iowa with a friend. He was a competitive tennis player at both singles

and doubles well into his 80’s. He enjoyed card games, chess, and Scrabble, not

always playing as a gracious loser. He particularly loved every opportunity to sing,

especially solo. He excelled at woodworking as well.

 

Active in his community for many years, Gene served his Catholic parish as cantor,

lector, and choir member. Over the years he belonged to the Knights of Columbus and

held leadership positions in Kiwanis International. As an avid reader, he enjoyed lively

conversations about history, patriotism, and politics. Known as a talented speaker and

singer, he performed at various work, church and community venues.

 

Gene is survived by his youngest sibling, his sister Doris who lives in Maryland, his

daughter Gene Ellen (Mrs. Robert Pratter) of Philadelphia, son Mark of Tustin, and three

grandchildren and two great grandchildren. His wife of 58 years, laurel, and his son

Daniel (survived by his wife Ann) pre-deceased Gene.

 

A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, February 19, 2022 at the Saint John Paul II

Polish Center in Yorba Linda at 11:00AM. Donations may be made to Guide Dogs for

the Blind.