Ronald Carl Kreitzer

Obituary for Ronald C. Kreitzer: "A Life of Many Seasons"
Ronald Carl Kreitzer, age 82, of Wheeling, passed away peacefully on Jun 10, 2025, surrounded by loved ones, having lived a life marked by incredible individual freedom, hard work, strong faith, and recovery.
Born on July 31, 1942 in Wheeling, WV, Ronnie moved through the seasons of life with determination and fearlessness. In his youth, he embodied a spirit of freedom backed by eyewitness accounts and legendary tales. He made his mark as a skilled machinist having trained in Chicago, Illinois, and dedicating 50 years of service to Bethlehem Gear & Machine, ten of which were part-time after retirement. He was a devoted employee, renowned for his skill and his ability to get jobs done well and on-time. He once worked a breakdown shift for nearly 20 hours after posting personal best finish in the Elby's Distance Run. He was also known for his "government jobs," never hesitating to use his skills to help others.
While work was a priority for Ronnie, he was an amazing husband, father, and stepfather. He was likely the most popular parent along Chapel Road and Hubbard Lane in Bethlehem. He was often found playing with the neighborhood kids in the back yard in his work clothes and was responsible for epic journeys for ice cream. He was ever-present, full of life, and poured into the lives of those he was around in a way that few could replicate. This level of family commitment continued when he became a grandparent. He was dedicated to spending time with his family and being present with all his grandchildren. The time spent was legendary, and the parents still do not know the half of the adventures. It was certain that all had the opportunity to learn to drive, consume way too much junk food, and spend countless hours galivanting-- one of his favorite pastimes. He was a fixture at several coffee shops in Wheeling and will certainly be missed by his friends at Green's Donuts where he was fondly known as "Chicken Wing."
In his later years, his resilience shown through as he recovered well from both chronic injuries from decades of running and illnesses such as a cardiac arrest and Parkinson's Disease. Through it all, he was a model patient and inspiration to his health care teams, therapists, and others suffering from similar ailments. He never quit, did the work, and then did even more so that he could recover and get back to work, exercising, or spending time with his family.
Above all, Ronnie was a man of faith -- quiet faith. While a favorite of those now attending C3 Church in Wheeling, he dedicated his life to Christ in 1983, as a member of the Vineyard Church. Over the years, it was very common to hear him speak to others about his many blessings. Those blessings were mainly centered around his wife of 44 years, Diana, his children, and his grandchildren. He also loved his Bible study class and time with friends at Overlook, Clara Welty and Green's Donuts. If you knew Ronnie, you know that he was a blessing to many. One of his greatest accomplishments was sobriety that he found starting in late 1975. He replaced his old weekend habits with running, eating healthy, and spending more time with family. November 8, 2025 would have been his 50th year sober.
Ronnie is survived by his wife, Diana Kreitzer, sons Scott Kreitzer (Charlene), Eric Kreitzer (Carrie), stepson Michael DeTemple (Julie), grandchildren Nathan DeTemple, Jenna DeTemple, Tyler Kreitzer (Lexie), Kelsey Kreitzer, Natalie Hesske and Nathan Hesske (Monica), two great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Brother Douglas Kreitzer (Susan), and sister Carla Seals. He was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Zelda Kreitzer and stepmother Minnie Kreitzer.
A Celebration of Life service is planned for June 14th at C3 Church in Wheeling at noon (visitation 2 hrs prior).
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to C3 Church or Tunnel to Towers.
Though we grieve his passing, we give thanks for every season shared with our husband, father, brother, and Pap Pap. The signature of his life was one that was fully lived, leaving marvelous memories and stories that will last a lifetime.