Kreig B. Kelley, age 82, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2026. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, education, and deep devotion to family.
Kreig was born on June 19, 1943, in Richfield, Utah, to Van D. Kelley and Erma Baker Kelley. Kreig spent his childhood in Teasdale and Salina, Utah, where he learned the values of hard work, responsibility, and faith. He attended local schools and graduated from North Sevier High School in 1961. As a young man, Kreig was an outstanding athlete, excelling in basketball, baseball, and track and field. Included among his many athletic honors, Kreig was awarded North Sevier High School’s Most Outstanding Athlete Award his senior year.
Kreig attended the College of Southern Utah (now Southern Utah University), where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. He later earned a Master’s Degree from the University of Utah and an Administrative Certificate from Brigham Young University. He taught elementary school in Blanding and throughout the Jordan School District. Kreig served as an elementary school principal at Peruvian Park Elementary, Canyon View Elementary, and Jordan Ridge Elementary. Later, Kreig was employed as a Director for Jordan School District and then he worked for the Utah State Board of Education in federal education programs. Over a career spanning more than 40 years, Kreig touched thousands of lives and was widely respected for his integrity, compassion, and steady leadership.
As a young man, Kreig served a faithful mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Eastern States Mission, later known as the Cumorah Mission. His mission strengthened his testimony and shaped the rest of his life. He said that going on a mission was the best thing that ever happened to him and shaped the remainder of his life. Kreig was a lifelong, faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and he served in many church callings. Many young men obtained the rank of Eagle Scout under his leadership as Scoutmaster. He was known for his humility, strong work ethic, and sincere desire to help others. He lived a life of service to others. His testimony of Jesus Christ and the restored gospel was central to his life and guided his actions. Prior to his passing, Kreig wrote the following,
"I personally know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer, the Only Begotten Son of the living God. I know that he atoned for the sins of mankind (including mine), that he was crucified and resurrected; that he lives and guides the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through a living prophet. I have a testimony that Dallin H. Oaks is God’s mouth piece on the earth today; a living prophet of God. I know that we can get closer to God and Jesus Christ by reading and abiding the holy scriptures, by serving our neighbors, and by sincere prayer. I get a lot of joy from serving others".
On November 23, 1966, Kreig married his eternal companion, JoLue Dobson, in the Manti Temple. Their marriage was the center of his life. Together they raised six children: Lesa (Rob) Browning, David (Nikki) Kelley, Brian (Annette) Kelley, Michael (Kristine) Kelley, Amy (Rhett) Mano, and Kimberly (Jerrod) Phillips. Kreig was a devoted husband, father, grandfather to 24 grandchildren, and great-grandfather to four. He found his greatest joy in his family.
Kreig had a deep and abiding love for the outdoors, a passion rooted early in life and carried throughout his years. He found peace and joy in the mountains, whether fishing, hunting alongside family and friends, or camping. Some of his most cherished memories were made during deer hunts and fishing trips, where stories were shared and lifelong lessons quietly taught. Kreig also found great fulfillment coaching baseball, especially his sons’ baseball teams, where his love of the game, steady leadership, and belief in teamwork left a lasting impression on countless young players. Above all, Kreig’s heart belonged to his family. He delighted in his grandchildren, attending their games and activities, offering encouragement, and taking genuine interest in their lives. His steady presence and unwavering pride in his family will be remembered as some of his greatest gifts.
Kreig is survived by his beloved wife, JoLue; his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; and his twin brother, Karl (Diane) Kelley, and sister-in-law Anne Kelley. He was preceded in death by his parents, Van and Erma Kelley; and his older brother, Blaine Kelley.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Kreig by helping a neighbor or showing kindness through service to others. The family welcomes you to post a memory to share and celebrate his life.
A viewing will be held from 1:00 – 2:30 pm on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Goff Mortuary, 8090 S. State Street Midvale, UT 84047. A small graveside service will be held for family and close friends at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Rd., Sandy.
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8090 S. State St., Midvale, UT 84047

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