Obituary for Donald Wadw Krenrick
Donald Wade Krenrick
THEN AND NOW
Donald Wade Krenrick, 98, departed from this life into God''s presence on May 29, 2017 - Memorial Day.
Born on January 2, 1919 in Akron, Ohio to the late Charles A and Bessie (Roth) Krenrick, he was the devoted husband of the late Ruth (Holb) Krenrick; brother to the late Robert (Margie) Krenrick; he is the loving father of four daughters, Donna (Jim) Marckel of Findlay, Ohio, Rebecca (Bill) Considine of Akron, Ohio, Connie (Jim) Livingston of Longs, S.C., and Nancy (Bill) Mitchell of San Tan Valley, Arizona; beloved grandfather of Jason (Amy) Marckel of Willoughby, Ohio, Julie (Brock) Stull of Columbus, Ohio, Michael Considine of Akron, Ohio, Cathryn (Michael) O''Malley of Akron, Ohio, Matthew Considine of Chicago, Ill., Brandon Katzenmeyer of Stow, Ohio, and Cory Katzenmeyer of Lewisburg, Ohio; he leaves six great-grandchildren, Luke, Ben, Zachary, Alivia, Graeme, and Jemma. He also leaves his sisters-in-law, Betty Holb of Norwalk, Ohio, and Mary Jane Irwin of Phoenix, Arizona.
Don graduated from Buchtel High School in 1936. He took piano lessons from Ester Deneke which inspired his love for the piano. He was the drum major at Buchtel H.S. (class of 1936) and the University of Akron, (class of 1941). He played trumpet for Kyle Smith''s Band. He was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. He received a BS in Education from the University of Akron and a Master of Education from Kent State University in 1952. Don worked as a teacher and elementary principal in the Akron Public Schools for 32 years before retiring in 1979.
During World War II, Don enlisted into active service on April 21,1942. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a technical sergeant with Squadron A9 3505 AAFBU. He was a radio operator-gunner with the 8th Air Force, England, 379th Bomb Group Europe. He completed 36 missions over Europe, including D-Day, in the B 17. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross and many other commendations for his service.
Don chaired the Red Cross Youth program, volunteered for the American Cancer Society, and enjoyed being the Entertainment Director for the annual Akron Children''s Holiday Tree Festival. Don was an avid fisherman and enjoyed his summers on Lake Erie. At a young age his father introduced him to fishing equipment by selling for the Pfluger Manufacturing Company.
He was a former member of Grace United Church of Christ. At present he is a member of The Chapel of Akron. He was the Prime Time Class pianist. Don was a member and organist for The Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons, Adoniram-Joppa Lodge No. 517 of Akron, Ohio.
The family of Don Krenrick is grateful to God for his life. He will forever be loved, missed and remembered. He was a resident at The Merriman for the past four years and known as the Piano Man.
The family would like to thank the staff at The Merriman and Harbor Lights Hospice for their professional care and many kindnesses.
A celebration of life service will be held 11 a.m. FRIDAY, June 2nd, at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd., with Rev. Terry Baker officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Chestnut Hill Memorial Park. Friends may call at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel THURSDAY, from 5 to 8 p.m. and one hour before services Friday. Star Lodge #187 will conduct services at 8 p.m.Thursday, during calling hours. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Children''s Hospital, 1 Perkins Square, Akron, OH 44308 or to your favorite charity.
To share a Memory, Send a Condolence or Light a Candle, visit the Tribute Wall at www.billowfuneralhomes.com (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)
Published in Akron Beacon Journal from May 31 to June 1, 2017