Raymond R. Kreig

Raymond R. Kreig, 99, of Galesburg, Illinois died 9:19 a.m. Monday, January 3, 2022 at the Hawthorne Inn Assisted Living Center, Galesburg.

He was born October 19, 1922 at Oakley, Illinois to Arthur C. and Myrtle (Roberts) Kreig.  He married Wanda M. Sward, December 12, 1953 in Galesburg.  She preceded him in death September 10, 2017.

Raymond is survived by daughter, Janet D. Kreig of Galesburg and son, Roger R. (Judy) Kreig of Galesburg, grandchildren Alex (Samantha) Kreig of Glen Ellyn IL, Kate (Jake) Armstrong of Monmouth IL, great-granddaughter Scarlett Kreig of Glen Ellyn and sister Nancy Born Martin of Cerro Gordo, Illinois.  He is preceded in death by four sisters and a brother. 

Raymond grew up on the family farm near Oakley IL, attending the rural Walnut Grove College elementary school and graduating from Cerro Gordo High School in 1940.  He was a very active in FFA livestock and corn judging teams, which led to his crowning as Corn Prince of the 1939 International Livestock Exposition, Union Stockyards, Chicago.  While attending the University of Illinois, he joined the Army, serving in the South Pacific during WWII.  After coming home from the war and graduating from the University of Illinois in 1947, he started his career in Lincoln IL where his experience in professional farm management brought him the opportunity to join the First Galesburg National Bank & Trust Company, starting the Farm Management Department, growing the practice, and supporting the local agriculture community in myriad ways for nearly 40 years until his retirement 1990.  He was a 60+ year member of the First Presbyterian Church in Galesburg where he served in many capacities including Clerk of Session.  He was an active member of the Illinois Society & American Society of Professional Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, Galesburg Exchange Club and American Legion.  He was instrumental in the startup of Habitat for Humanity in Knox County.

The University of Illinois has always held a special place in his heart, serving on the College of Agriculture Alumni Association board as regional director followed by being elected state president, Charter Member of the Round Barn Society, as well as cheering the Illini football and basketball teams for many decades.  He continued the farming traditions of his father - raising Hereford cattle and tending bees on the family farm outside Galesburg. His honey, along with Wanda’s jams, were always a favorite at community fundraisers.  Raymond loved golfing with friends, complete with lot of stories.  His laugh, and stories, will remain fond memories for many.

A private family burial will be held at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens.  A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 21, 2022 at the First Presbyterian Church, Galesburg.  Rev. Kay Daniels will officiate.  Those unable to attend may watch virtually at 11:00 am Saturday via https://www.facebook.com/fpcgalesburg.  Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church.  Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service Galesburg Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com. 

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