Obituaries

Austin Kreeger, 78

October 29, 2023

Austin Kreeger, 78 of Kirkwood, passed away at his home on October 29, 2023. Born to the late Raymond Wilson and Annie Fishel Kreeger in York, PA, Austin attended Dallastown Area High School, Graduated Magna Cum Laude from Millersville State College with a Bachelors’ Degree in Education and Psychology, in 1974, and a Master’s in Psychology in 1979. He also received his administrative certificate from the University of Pennsylvania in 1979.

Early in his career, he worked in retail management in PA, New York, Delaware, and Texas from 1962-67 prior to being drafted into the U.S. Army. He served as a combat infantryman in Vietnam from 1967-68 and achieved the rank of Sergeant (SGT E5) in the US Army 25 Infantry Division Triple Deuce (2d Battalion, 22d infantry). During this time, he was awarded the Purple Heart for being wounded in action, as well as the Bronze Star.

Austin began his career in education as a teacher at Providence and a head teacher at Bart Colerain Elem. School in the Solanco School District. He went on to serve as a principal for 20 years at Fulton-Little Britain, Bart-Colerain, and Quarryville Elementary Schools also in the Solanco School District.

He was nominated three times for Pennsylvania’s Principal of the Year, finishing as runner-up in 1997. During his time at Quarryville Elem., he studied with Johnson & Johnson at the Univ. of Minnesota and worked extensively with his staff to implement the Cooperative Learning initiative and received awards and recognition for his success.

He enjoyed spending time with his many dogs rescued (15 dogs in 43 years). He especially loved Beau, who died in February 2023 while Austin was in rehab. Austin found Beau through United Disability Services. A faithful and gentle companion, Beau showed his love by taking off Austin’s shoes and socks when needed and always remaining by his side.

Austin also enjoyed landscaping and painting his 10-acre property. This included building 200 feet of dry-stone walls, establishing nature trails, and creating a koi pond. Falling blind later in life did not stop him from enjoying the slopes and he would take his family on ski vacations to New Hampshire. He also enjoyed collecting antiques and traveled with his wife to many Caribbean islands.

Austin belonged to the PA Council of the Blind, American Council of the Blind, and the Blinded Veterans Assoc. He belonged to many professional organizations including the PA Principals Association, Lancaster-Lebanon Principal’s Assoc., American Assoc. of Curriculum Development. He also was a member of the Chi Gamma Iota and the Veteran’s Fraternities while attending Millersville.

Left to treasure his memory is his beloved wife of 43 years, Beverly Kreeger; his daughter Danielle Kreeger and daughter in-law Karen Young Kreeger; grandson Austin William Kreeger all of Media PA; his siblings Michael Kreeger husband of Jenny of England, and Shirley Kreeger Beard of York PA; niece Christina Beard Stola wife of Joe of York, PA; nephews Kevin Kreeger and Corey Kreeger; grandnephew Tyler Howard; and his dogs Pete and Credo.

Family and friends are respectfully invited to Austin’s memorial service Friday November 3, 2023, at Charles Snyder Funeral Home, 2421 Willow Street Pike, at 11am. The family will receive friends from 9am until the time of the service. A luncheon will be held following service at 12:30pm at Grace Community Church in Willow Street. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to the Dog Program at United Disabilities Service at https://udservices.org/service-dog-donation-store/.

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Condolences to the Family

November 09, 2023

To the family:
Austin and I were best friends in 8th and 9th grade at Dallastown High. We were typical teenagers of the day, mad about cars, silly pop music of the early 1960s, cars, more cars, and girls . . . Oh, and girls. (Did I mention girls?) We always shared a lot of laughs and tormented the long-suffering teachers without mercy — in fact, when I say “Austin Kreeger” I see a guy with hair “just like Fabian’s” belly-laughing at some goofy prank or joke on Helen Gamble or Richard Burd, poor souls that they were. I want to keep that jolly image in my mind, ephemeral as it may have been. Years later I saw him briefly, with Danny (about 5 or 6 at the time). I was impressed by his parenting with patience and gentle love. Looking back I think that that must have been just before he was wounded in ‘Nam — he was home on leave at the time, as I recall. Life happened, and we lost touch, but decades later I reunited with two friends from high school years, Tom and Randy Newnam, who kept me abreast of Austin’s trials and triumphs. Those brief early memories will remain alive, but it was the steadfast friendship of the Newnam boys that will last. Tom provided me with a copy of his eulogy and a summary of the funeral service. Austin touched many people in life, and you, his family, can take comfort in the love of many people who came out to remember and honor this warrior and wise teacher. Blessings to all.
Rich Kline, DAHS ’63

November 06, 2023

Dear Bev,

So sorry to hear of your loss. Austin was an amazing person. I will always be grateful that he gave me a chance to return to teaching. His ability to know people by the sound of their walk or voice was truly astounding to those who were surprised that he knew who they were, although he couldn”t see them. He will be remembered as an outstanding principal and a leader in education. Praying for peace and blessings to you and your family. (Side note) Our daughter Kelly, who went though QE, and our grandson helped raise and socialize puppies for UDS for several years. It’s a wonderful program and helps so many folks with disabilities.

Sincerely,

June Shultz

November 06, 2023

Dear Danielle, Karen, Austin and all of your family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss and trust many warm memories will help heal the pain as time moves forward.
Dave and Debbie Bushek

November 04, 2023

So very sorry for your loss Bev. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family.🙏
Cathy Webreck

November 03, 2023

We are so sorry to hear of Austin passing away. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jackie Belcher

November 03, 2023

My name is Ed Hochberger. I do not remember if I ever met Austin. In January 1968 I was stationed in Viet Nam. I was in the 25th Division, triple deuce. That was 56 years ago. I vaguely remember someone saying there was another soldier from York in the unit. Maybe they were referring to Austin. I was wounded about a week before Tet, and taken by helicopter to Cu Chi. I never rejoined my unit..
I just wanted to convey my condolences.

Ed Hochberger

November 03, 2023

Dear Bev, keeping you in our prayers. So sorry for your loss. Now you slow down and take care of you!! We send our sympathy and love. John and Eloise Long

November 03, 2023

Mr. Kreeger was a great man and was my principal at Quarryville Elementary. What always impressed me was his memory and running into him later in life still remembered who I was. Thoughts to prayers to the family.
Robert Lowery

November 02, 2023

Dear Beverly and Austin s family. So sorry for your loss. Our love thoughts and prayers are with you wish we could be there. Tim is having problems right now also. Please know we are there in spirit,Dear cousin. In God’s hands. Tim and Caroline Eigenbrode.

November 02, 2023

I’m Jenny’s and mikes daughter from England, my condolences! I am sorry for you’re loss. I have heard many lovely things about Austin and the loving person he was. A beautiful soul that will forever live on and always be remembered . Sending love , healing and prayers xx Lori-Ann Adams

November 02, 2023

On behalf of all members of Vietnam Triple Deuce, I wish to offer our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and former students of Austin Kreeger. He has been part of our family also for the half century since his time and accomplishments in Vietnam. He will be missed… Dick Nash-President VN222

Visitation: Friday, November 03, 2023; 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM; Charles F. Snyder III Funeral Home and Crematory; 2421 Willow Street Pike; Willow Street, PA 17584
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >
Services: Friday, November 03, 2023; 11:00 AM; Charles F. Snyder III Funeral Home & Crematory; 2421 Willow Street Pike; Willow Street, PA 17584
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >