WILLY MAX KRIEGER

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WILLY MAX KRIEGER Willy Max Krieger passed away peacefully on June 19, 2006 at the age of 78 after a lengthy struggle with emphysema which he faced with courage and, as always, great determination to live life to its fullest. He leaves to mourn his beloved wife Doris; daughter Karen and son-in-law Manfred Steinmann, grandchildren Carson and Leandra; son Kelvin and daughter-in-law Mary (nee Hyland), grandchildren Adam and Heather; brother Roy (Joan), brother Ernie (Stella, predeceased), sister-in-law June (brother Lloyd, predeceased) and several nieces and nephews. Willy was born in Winnipeg on March 2, 1928, one of four sons of Ernest and Frieda Krieger. He attended school at Alexander, Mulvey and Gordon Bell. Part way through life, he decided to use the combined name Willymax as it had appeared on his original birth record. Willymax and Doris (nee Schiewe) were married on December 29, 1951 and they shared 54 years of marriage. Willymax said that marrying Doris was the smartest thing he ever did. He was a devoted family man who did all he could to make life better for his children and grandchildren. Willymax enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy on April 23, 1948 at HMCS Chippawa and was honourably released on April 22, 1953. As an Able Seaman and Leading Seaman, his five years of service on four ships (Ontario, Cayuga, Rockcliffe, Beaconhill) included two tours of duty on the HMCS Cayuga during the Korean War, thereby becoming one of the first Canadians to serve the United Nations in action. In his senior years, Willymax became an active member of the Winnipeg White Ensign Naval Club where he made a significant contribution to the photo roster and albums and where he and Doris enjoyed many good times and friendships. Recently, he also joined the Korean Veterans Association of Canada Unit 17. After the Navy, Willymax resumed a printing career at Systems Business Forms that spanned over 40 years of loyal service until his retirement in 1993, after which he initiated and organized social functions for Systems retirees. He was a member of the Winnipeg House of Printing Craftsmen for many years and Editor of their Winnicraft newsletter. Willymax had a strong Christian faith and was involved in the congregational life of Hope Lutheran Church, St. Mark's Lutheran Church and, for the past 30 years, First Lutheran Church. His family expresses their heartfelt appreciation to First Lutheran Pastor Michael Kurtz for his comforting presence, words and prayers during Willy's month-long stay at Seven Oaks Hospital. For Willymax there were no half measures and he lived life with gusto. He loved projects and put everything he had into them. In addition to the contributions to his church and clubs, he immersed himself in a series of activities over the years that included fishing and canoeing with his son, gardening, woodworking and photography. He also loved people and valued his relationships with everyone he knew. His direct manner could be unnerving at times but his passion for conversation, concern for others and friendly nature shined through along with his quick wit and keen sense of humour. As he himself said, there are many Willys and many Maxes but only one Willymax. Sincere gratitude is expressed to the staff of the Seven Oaks Hospital for their extraordinary and considerate care of Willy and his family. Many thanks also to Dr. Karen Moran de Muller and Dr. Greg Eschun who were always there when Willymax needed them. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Lutheran Church (580 Victor St., Winnipeg, MB R3G 1R2) or Siloam Mission (300 Princess St., Winnipeg, MB R3B 1M3). Funeral service will be held at First Lutheran Church, 580 Victor St. (near Sargent Avenue) on Monday, June 26 at 11:30 a.m. Arrangements are in the care of Bardal Funeral Home and Crematorium, 843 Sherbrook St., 774-7474, david@bardal.ca.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 24, 2006