Lawrence C. Kreeger

Peoria ---- Lawrence C. Kreeger, 85, of Peoria died at 5:55 p.m. Thursday, July 16, 2009 at Liberty Village in Peoria. Born August 4, 1923 in Vermillion, S.D., a son of Alfred and Dora Raabe Kreeger, he married Evelyn Wilhelm on June 20, 1948 at First English Lutheran Church in Peoria. She survives. He also is survived by their three sons, John (Rita) Kreeger of Two Rivers, Wisc., Larry (Debra) Kreeger of Brimfield, and Dr. Robert (Elizabeth) Kreeger of Indianapolis, Ind. Also surviving are nine grandchildren, Michael, Elizabeth, twins Mickala and Kaitlyn, Lauren, Grant, Scott and Allison Kreeger and Carly Twedell; and one great-granddaughter, Claire Marie Kreeger. Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, William and Art Kreeger; and four sisters, Hilda Ohlman, Ella Shearer, Gladys Tanner and Wanda Franks. He was a decorated WW II Army veteran who served his country in the European Theatre of Operation. As a non-commissioned officer, he was in charge of a 40-mm. and quad 50- caliber gun crew in the campaigns of the D-Day invasion of Normandy, northern France, the Ardennes, Rhineland, central Europe and ground combat at the Battle of the Bulge. His memories of Europe were sometimes painful to recall, but he shared his stories with his children and grandchildren so they would know the triumph and tragedy of this war. From his landing on Omaha Beach, being wounded in France, braving the cold winter at the Bulge, and finally the liberation of Buchenwald concentration camp, Larry fought for his country and our freedom. He was a "hands-on" man whose incredible knowledge of electrical and mechanical skills allowed him and his wife, Evelyn to build their home in 1951, where they raised their sons. In retirement they took their travel trailer to Texas in the winters and enjoyed their growing family as the grandchildren began to arrive. Larry's wonderful sense of humor, generosity and unselfish love will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. Larry worked for J.A. Fritch & Sons for 38 years. Upon his retirement in 1985, Fritch also retired his service vehicle, Truck #1, in honor of Larry and his years of dedication to the heating and air conditioning industry. He was a proud 60-year member of the Sheet Metal Workers International Labor Union, Local #1 in Peoria. He was a member of First English Lutheran Church in Peoria, where funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, July 20, 2009. The Rev. Dr. James Lillie will officiate. Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at The Wilton Mortuary in Peoria, and also one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will be in Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society to the American Lung Association. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.thewilton mortuary.com.