Wiliam "Bill" Kreutzer

William “Bill” Kreutzer

William “Bill” August Kreutzer Jr., 86 formerly of Kirksville passed away Monday (December 30, 2013) at the Missouri Veterans Home in Mexico, MO.

The son of William August John and Louise C. (Heidbrink) Kreutzer, he was born August 8, 1927 in Rosebud, MO. On January 21, 1967 in St. Louis, MO he was united in marriage to Betty Jane Rodermund Bahr.

Bill is survived by his children, Ruth E. Thomas and husband John of Springdale, AR, Donna J. Baker of LaPlata, MO, Charles S. Kreutzer and wife Kathy of Springfield, IL, Terry A. Breidenstein and husband Tom of Round Rock, TX, David P. Bahr and wife Sandi of Chesterfield, MO, Susan K. Nolte of Portland, OR and Judy L. Killday and husband Rick of Villa Ridge, MO; one daughter-in-law, Janeen Bahr of Rancho Mirage, CA; 21 grandchildren, TJ Hartman, Nathan Hartman, Nathan Thomas, Dia Bodenstein, Dominic Miranda, Dion Miranda, John Bahr, Steven Bahr, Jennifer Sullivan, Krista Arisman, Kori Gilbert, Jessica Schaefer, Michael Breidenstein, Jon Breidenstein, Justin Cox, Emily Schmal, Sarah Simmons, Jacob Nolte, Mary Nolte, Kari Hutchison, Matt Killday; 24 great grandchildren; three nephews, Robert J. Engle and wife Lynne of Jefferson City, MO, Cary D. Engle and wife Susan of Ozawkie, KS and Jeffrey W. Engle of Olathe, KS; and two nieces, Lisa P. Tague and husband Dale of Gorin, MO and Pam Cariss and husband Scott of Round Rock, TX.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Betty on Sept. 13, 2008; one son, Robert A. Bahr; one son-in-law, Barry Baker; one sister, Mary Engle and one brother-in-law, Robert J. Engle.

Bill grew up in St. Louis where he attended school. He entered the U.S. Navy on May 31, 1945 serving until his discharge on Aug. 19, 1946. He attended Washington University receiving his B.S. in Administration and Truman State University receiving his B.S. in Education. He was a history teacher at the Kirksville High School. He was one of the owners and the operations manager of Wright’s Tire and Appliance in Kirksville until his retirement in 1990.

He was a member of Alive in Christ Lutheran Church in Columbia, and Faith Lutheran Church in Kirksville. He was very active in his church serving in many capacities. Bill was a gentleman who loved the Lord and was faithful to his family and friends often opening his home to many in times of need.

Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday (January 7, 2013) at Faith Lutheran Church with a memorial service following at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor David Lukefahr and Pastor Mark Appold officiating. Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home, 2100 E. Shepherd Ave., Kirksville, MO 63501 660-665-2233

In Lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Faith Lutheran School 1820 S Baltimore St. Kirksville, Mo 63501 or Alive in Christ Lutheran Church Building Fund 201 S Hampton Dr. Columbia Mo 65203