John M. Kreidler

Although his life was filled with numerous accomplishments and experiences he treasured, John Kreidler cherished his family above all else. He was outgoing and personable, lively and just plain fun to be around. All who knew John would agree that he had a way of making others feel very comfortable. A more devoted husband and father would be hard to find, and it was no secret that his daughters and granddaughters were his pride and joy. John carried himself with honor and integrity throughout his life. Life will never be the same without him here, but the lives of countless others have been forever changed because of his touch.

The 1920s were a time of change that affected the way we lived our daily lives. The automobile industry was exploding, and it was during this year that the Chrysler Corporation was founded. Mathew Kreidler was a tool and die maker at General Motors in Flint, Michigan. He and his wife Grace (Germer) were blessed with the birth of a baby boy on October 21, 1925. John was the youngest of three children and he grew up in a happy home with his older sisters, Mary Jule and Ruth.

For the most part John experienced a typical upbringing that was reflective of the times. He was a student at local schools including Flint Northern High School where he was on the tennis team.

Not long after he graduated John was drafted into the Army during the days of WWII. He served in the infantry and became an integral piece of history as he was part of the Battle of the Bulge.

With his military duties fulfilled, John returned to Michigan and enrolled at Western Michigan University where he majored in accounting. As fate would have it, he ended up in class with a delightful young woman named Mary Jane Smith, but it wasn’t until she was getting ready to leave for her internships that she really noticed John. At that time she wished she had made a point of getting to know him. Fate intervened when their paths crossed again - two years later. Mary Jane was delighted to learn that he was still friends with one of her friends. Soon after, they were set up on a date, and it was just six months later that the couple exchanged their vows at First United Methodist Church on July 19, 1952, deeply in love.

Having graduated with an accounting degree, John was anxious to pursue his career. He worked as an accountant and controller for Electrovoice, North American Aluminum Corporation, the Shakespeare Company, and Glassmaster Controls before retiring.

In 1954 John and Mary Jane were anxiously waiting for the house they were building to be completed. It was actually a race to see which would come first, the birth of their first child or moving into their new home. The baby ended up arriving just a week before the house was ready, but the couple couldn’t have been happier to welcome the daughter they named Susan into their hearts. She was later joined by Laura and Kathy as well. John played an active part in his daughter’s lives, and they loved spending time as a family. Camping was a favorite family activity, and they frequented Ludington State Park, at least until they found Lakes of the North. Of course they camped the old fashioned way - in a tent.

John was a devoted husband and an encouraging father who was proud of his girls’ accomplishments. He protected his family, provided for them, and never left anything unsaid, leaving no doubt in the minds of his wife and daughters of how deeply they were loved. John enjoyed the family pets, including three beagles and one cat. No matter what time John came home he always made time to walk the dog around the block.

Throughout their married life John and Mary Jane enjoyed sixty years of love and joy. They went dancing on their first date, and this became a lifelong passion for them both. John and Mary Jane especially enjoyed big band music, and they joined dance clubs over the years. First it was the Coterie Dance Club and then the Etanda Dance Club. They took lessons and danced three to four times a week. They also traveled around the region following the bands to their dance parties. John and Mary Jane were always up for a good time, and it was not uncommon for them to stay late with a few close friends to really break out the dancing shoes, showcasing some of their more unique and unconventional moves.

John was a man of many interests. He was involved in his community including membership in First United Methodist Church, the VFW Red Arrow Post, and the Girl Scouts for which he was awarded a 25 year pin. John took great pride in his yard and was meticulous in keeping it maintained, and he did his best to bring Mary Jane’s outdoor project ideas to fruition. He also lent his expertise to his daughters. John could often be found exercising at the Borgess Fitness Center, and it was his bowling league night every Wednesday at Eastland Bowl. He also enjoyed the peace and quiet of his home, often feeding the squirrels and watching the birds in his backyard. John was a wonderful host who loved entertaining in their home and at the family cottage in South Haven.

Whether heating up the dance floor with his wife, making an amazing sandcastle on the beach, or taking a run around the block with his dog, John Kreidler had a zest for life that was contagious to those around him. He was a true companion to his wife and a father who never stopped encouraging his girls to follow their dreams. He always enjoyed spending times with friends. John will be deeply missed and warmly remembered.

John M. Kreidler died on April 30, 2013. John’s family includes his wife, Mary Jane; daughters, Susan Jane Kreidler (Michael Arruda) of Hong Kong, Laura Beth Kreidler (Greg Siwinski) of Syracuse, New York, and Katherine Ann Kreidler of Perry, Florida; and two granddaughters, Ana Li and Mai Li Kreidler-Siwinski. A memorial gathering will be held Sunday, May 5th from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at Life Story Funeral Homes, Portage; 5975 Lovers Lane (344-5600). A memorial service will be held on Monday at 10:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo, 212 S. Park Street. A graveside committal service with military honors will be held at Ft. Custer National Cemetery following the memorial service at 1:00 p.m. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can share a memory or photo. Donations in his honor can be made to Camp Merrie Wood/Camp Wonder Wood campership fund through Heart of Michigan Girl Scout Council, or to Rose Arbor Hospice.