David C. “Boog” Kreher, 59, of New Athens, IL; born on October 23, 1955 in Red Bud, IL; passed away on Sunday, October 18, 2015 at the Freeburg Care Center.
David was a coal miner. David loved his community and served New Athens in countless ways. He was a Village Trustee for New Athens from May 1979 to April 2003, then from August 2010 to present. He served as Mayor of New Athens from December 1992 through May 1993. He was a 42 year member of the New Athens Volunteer Fire Department. He was a founding member of the New Athens Ambulance Service. David was a member of St. Agatha Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of the U.M.W.A., New Athens Sportsman’s Club and the Mud Daubers. Boog was a lifelong blood donor and would give at every opportunity. He enjoyed hunting, collecting knives and Civil War memorabilia. Boog was also a huge Illini fan. Most importantly, Boog loved his family and his grandchildren were the lights of his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents – Clarence and Virginia, nee Klube, Kreher.
He is survived by his loving wife – Cathy, nee Parke, Kreher whom he married on June 15, 1991 at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Hecker, IL. Two sons – John (Brittney) Lanham of Ashley, IL; Joe (Casey) Russell of Los Angeles, CA. One daughter – Meghan (David Brennan) Kreher of Smithton, IL. Six grandchildren – John Brantley Lanham; Aubry Lanham; Gunnar Lanham; Gauge Lanham; Claire Brennan; Tria Russell. Two brothers – Robert “Frog” (Pat) Kreher of New Athens, IL; Dennis “Banger” (Tammy) Kreher of New Baden, IL. One sister – Jean (Larry) Price of Freeburg, IL. His father and mother-in-law – John and Dorothy Parke of Smithton, IL. Two brothers-in-law – John (Ruth) Parke of East Carondelet, IL; Charlie (Dawn) Parke of Smithton, IL. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family.
Visitation: Friends may call at Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL on Wednesday, October 21, 2015 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm and on Thursday, October 22, 2015 from 9:00am to 9:30am.
Funeral: A mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Agatha Catholic Church in New Athens, IL on Thursday, October 22, 2015 at 10:00am with Father James Nall officiating.
Interment: Burial will be held at St. Agatha Catholic Cemetery in New Athens, IL.
Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL is in charge of arrangements.
Boog, although I haven’t seen you in decades, I’ll always remember the summer my sister and I hung out with you and your New Athens friends. What fun! My heart is heavy that you suffered so much in the past year, but I pray that some immense goodness will come from it that we in this world do not understand. God’s Peace to those who loved you. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and may Perpetual Light shine upon him. RIP Boog.
Posted by: Cathy Sinn Flowers – Annandale, VA Oct 20, 2015
We are so sorry for your loss. Blog was a great man, no d and caring. He was a big part of NA and will be missed by all.
Posted by: Mr – New Athens, IL – Friends Oct 20, 2015
Well done good and faithful servant
Posted by: Gary Reinhardt – gilbertsville, KY – school mate member UMWA Oct 20, 2015
There are no words I can offer to ease the pain in this time of sorrow for you and your family. May God give you peace and comfort during your darkest hours; and may the happy memories of the life you and Boog shared be the light that brightens your path as you walk through each coming day. Sending my heartfelt condolences and keeping you in my prayers.
Posted by: Melinda Brueggemann Savitt – CA – Friend of Cathy Oct 20, 2015
Dear Kathy & family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.May special memories of Boog help you in the months to come.
Posted by: Jake and June Behnken – Sharpsburg, GA – Friend Oct 20, 2015
I am so sorry to hear about Davids passing. It has been many years since I have seen David but I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to his family and to my cousins, Robert, Jean and Dennis. I am just so very sorry for your loss.
Posted by: Beth Klube Maul – Waterloo, IL – cousin Oct 20, 2015
So sorry for the loss of this awesome man. Prayers all around for his loving family.
Posted by: Sue zaring – Fairview Heights, IL – Lived in NA . Saw him grow up Oct 21, 2015
Cathy, please know I am praying for you and your family. Boog was a good man and was proud of his community.
Posted by: Lisa Schreiber – Freeburg, IL Oct 21, 2015
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Posted by: Dody & Darryl Hagen – Lenzburg, IL Oct 21, 2015
Please accept my condolences. Boog is now in a much better place. He was a good man and will be missed. Time heals.
Posted by: Tom Parker – Smithton, IL Oct 21, 2015
Cathy, so sorry to hear of your loss of your loved one. I know how great that sorrow is. Keep strong n cherish the years you had together. Thinking of you
Marilyn Klein Barttelbort
Posted by: A friend Oct 21, 2015
One of my most fond memories when our family lived in New Athens was being involved in the Jaycees as chapter president and working with community members who loved their town and its people. Boog was one of those ‘good’ guys. When the family left New Athens, I knew that with people like Boog living their the community would continue is struggle to survive all the challenges thrown her way. I was saddened to learn of his passing.
Posted by: Doni-Mae B. Rauch – MI – community member from New Athens Nov 12, 2015