Don R. Krites

Don R. Krites of rural Wapakoneta, and Otterbein-Cridersville, died 12:58 a.m., Wed. Oct. 7, 2020, at Lima Memorial Health System. He was born June 30, 1933, in Russells Point, Logan Co, OH, the son of Theodore “Ted” & Stella (Helmlinger) Krites, who preceded him in death. On Aug. 11, 1956, he married Pauline A. Koch, and she survives. Other survivors include, 6 children, Kevin (Cheryl) Krites, Leavenworth, KS; Kendall (Sue) Krites, Wapakoneta; Keith (Darla) Krites, Wapakoneta; Richard (Barb) Krites, Wapakoneta; Rhonda (Don) Freisthler, Botkins, OH; & Randy (Amy) Krites, Anna, OH; 13 grandchildren & 14 great grandchildren; a sister, Martha (Charles) Brentlinger, Wapakoneta, sisters-in-law, Barbara Krites, Mary Lou Krites, Susan Krites & Nancy Koch Tester, numerous nieces & nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by grandchildren, Jacob L. Freisthler, & SkyAnn Derringer, a great granddaughter, Brooklynn Brown, siblings and spouses, Herman Krites, Frederick “Fritz” Krites, Franklin (Dorothy) Krites, Irene (Jack) Brannan, and a brother-in-law, Roland J. Koch. Don worked as a tool & die maker with Stolle Corp., Sidney for over 45 years. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church, Clay Twp., and a former church council member. Don was a member of the Wapakoneta V.F.W. Post #8445, and the Cridersville Bass Busters Club. He was a former 4-H advisor, and founder of the Auglaize Fur Bearers 4-H Club. His hobbies included, fishing, hunting, gardening, and being in the outdoors. He also enjoyed spending time with his family. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Sat. Oct. 10, 2020, at the St. Mark Lutheran Church, Clay Twp., with Pastor Robert Brown officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery, where military rites will be conducted by the Wapakoneta V.F.W. Post #8445. The family will receive family & friends 2-4 & 6-8 p.m., Fri. at the Eley Funeral Home & Crematory, St. Rt. 501, Wapakoneta, and 1 hr. prior to the service, Sat. at the church. Memorial contributions may be directed to the St. Mark Lutheran Church, Clay Twp., the Activity Fund at Otterbein-Cridersville, or the Alzheimer’s Foundation. Condolences may be expressed at www.eleyfuneralhomeandcreamtory.com. In keeping with state health guidelines, masking and social distancing are required.

Don R. Krites

June 30, 1933 - October 7, 2020