Frederick P. Kreis

Frederick Paul (Fred) Kreis, 86, passed away on January 30, 2025, at The Glen at Willow Valley. He was born in Tremont, PA, on February 16, 1938, the son of the late Raymond and Emily (Bernd) Kreis. Fred was preceded in death by siblings Carl, Elizabeth (Bowman), and Emily (Wesner) and is survived by his loving brother Harold, and sister Madelyn (Richey).

Fred is also survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Arlene (Wetterskog) Kreis, and their two sons, Gregory Kreis (husband of Melinda) of York, PA, and Jeffrey Kreis (husband of Linda) of Millersville, MD. Fred was a proud grandfather to Samantha, Zachary, Sabrina, Sara, and Benjamin, and is also survived by many cherished nieces and nephews.

After graduating high school, Fred proudly served in the United States Air Force from April 4, 1957, to April 13, 1961. He was stationed in Japan and at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana. Following his military service, Fred spent 40 years working in the space industry, retiring from NASA in 1994. His passion for the space industry remained strong, and he continued to share stories of his experiences with his family. After his retirement from NASA, Fred continued contracting for the agency until finally retiring in 2002.

Fred was a devoted Christian who valued his faith deeply. In his younger years, he enjoyed hiking, hunting, and skiing, and in his later years, he cherished the time spent with his wife, children, and grandchildren. His family was the center of his life, and he will be remembered for his kindness, wisdom, and commitment to his faith.

A private graveside service with full military honors will be held at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery at the convenience of the family. A Celebration of Life will be held at Grace Community Church at 212 Peach Bottom Road, Willow Street, PA 17584, on Monday, February 10, at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Fred’s memory may be made to the Memory Center at Willow Valley Communities. Contributions can be sent to the Willow Valley Communities Charitable Foundation at 100 Willow Valley Lakes Drive, Willow Street, PA 17584, or made online at Foundation.WillowValleyCommunities.org  Please include Fred’s name and “Memory Center” in the donation comments.