Theodore E. Kriese

12/01/1934 - 12/29/2025

In the company of his loving family, Ted Kriese of Mattydale, New York, passed away peacefully at Crouse Hospital, at the age of 91. Ted was born on December 1, 1934, to the late Theodore and Ann (Arnold) Kriese, and was raised with strong values of hard work, responsibility, and service to others. He graduated from North Syracuse High School in 1951 at the age of 16 and went on to earn an Associate's Degree from Morrisville College in 1953.
Ted knew from a very young age that he wanted to be involved in Agriculture. His career with Dairylea spanned 40 years ensuring dairy products arrived on time to supermarkets and mom & pop stores. At home he established a purebred herd of Hereford Cattle, whose genetic lines continue today. He took great pride in his cattle and in the responsibility that came with caring for them. Ted shared his knowledge and expertise by serving as a 4-H club leader and through active participation in the NY Hereford Breeders Association, American Hereford Association, and the NY Beef Producers Association.
For 67 years, Ted was married to Margaret Elizabeth Kriese, and together they built a life centered on family and caring for others. Ted and Margie raised six children and built a family life rooted in love and consistency. They spent 20 years raising their family on the farm in Moyers Corners, where farming and family life went hand in hand. In 1980, they purchased their farm in Cato, New York. In 1982, they opened their home to children in need through foster care, providing a steady and caring place for many over the years.
Ted was a loving and supporting father to Lisa Kriese-Anderson (Brian) of Auburn, Alabama; John Kriese (Anita) of Penn Yan, New York; Howard Kriese (Rachel) of Lane, South Carolina; Elizabeth Kriese (Christopher) of Rochester, New York; Peter Kriese (Samantha) of Cato, New York; and Breanna Chalon (Edward) of Parish, New York. He was also a proud grandfather to Shelby Anderson; Clayton, Katie, Levi, Emily, Sophia, and Sarah Kriese; and Emerson and Amelia Chalon.
In addition to his devotion to family and farming, Ted was committed to serving others. He served his community first through the Mattydale Fire Department and then the Moyers Corners Fire Department. He also served his country in the US Naval Reserves.
Ted also gave many years of service to the Masonic fraternity. He became a Master Mason in 1977 and remained active with the Grand Lodge, Royal Arch, Cryptic Masons, Shriners Hospital, The Order of the Eastern Star, and the Grotto. Outside of his responsibilities, Ted enjoyed time spent with others, a good game of solitaire and listening to good polka music. He looked forward to Masonic picnics, cattle shows, clam bakes, trips to the races, and attending hockey games.
Ted is predeceased by his wife, Margie, who passed away in March of this year; his brothers-in-law, Elwood Sickler and Gustav Schmidt; and his nephew, Walter Sickler. He leaves behind his six children and nine grandchildren; his sister, Joan Sickler; his sister-in-law, Aileen Schmidt; his nephews, Gus (Danielle) and Dieter Schmidt, his niece, Heather Johnson (Craig), along with extended family and many others whose lives were touched by his generosity and selflessness.
Calling hours will be held Wednesday, January 7, 2026 from 4:00 p.m to 7:00 p.m. at the Maurer Funeral Home, 300 Second St., Liverpool, NY 13088, with a Masonic Service to follow at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 11:00 am in St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 210 Hazel St., Liverpool, NY 13088.
Ted will be remembered for a life devoted to family, farming, service, and community.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriner's Children's Hospital of Boston, 51 Blossom St. Boston, MA 02114 or New York Hereford Breeders Association, to support travel to the national convention, c/o Brenda Dermody, 2405 Limerick Road, Linwood, NY 14486.