Joseph Kreil

of Vassar, age 85, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, January 7, 2014, at Covenant Harrison Hospital in Saginaw. Joseph was born to Anthony "Tony" and Ellen (Whidden) Kreil on June 7, 1928. Joe graduated from Vassar High School and started his 39-year career at Universal Engineering in Frankenmuth in 1951. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1954. He married Helen Hecht on May 2, 1964, and the two spent many summers fishing on Black Lake. She passed away in 2004. A loyal and dedicated steward at Grace American Lutheran Church, Joe served on the church council, did maintenance work, and baked many pies and breads for weekly bake sales. Joe was still a member of two senior bowling teams, and enjoyed his daily coffee breaks with his special group of guys at Karr's Kafe in Vassar. He was a patient and loving step-father to Arlene (Willie) Wirth, Ray (Sandy) Hecht, Larry (Beth) Hecht, Fred (Denise) Hecht, and Sally (Gary) Seney; step-daughters-in law, Ann Hecht and Janet Hecht; and he was Grandpa Joe to 15 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren. Three brothers: Don (Muriel) Kreil, Walter (Mary Lou) Kreil, David (Diane) Kreil; brother-in-law, Don Williams; and sister-in-law, Gladys Kreil. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Helen; sister, Vernamae Williams; brother and sister-in-law, Dale and Nancy Kreil, brother, Harold Kreil; step-sons, Herb Hecht and Edward Hecht; and granddaughter, Cathy Jo Wirth. Funeral service will take place on Friday, January 10, 2014, at 11:00 am at Grace American Lutheran Church in Vassar, Paul Werner officiating. Burial will take place at Blumfield Township Cemetery. Friends may call at the Martin Funeral Home in Vassar, where the family will be present on Thursday, January 9, 2014, from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm. On Friday, Joe will be taken to church to lie in state from 10:00 am until time of service. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may consider memorials to Grace American Lutheran Church, Vassar. Envelopes are available at the funeral home and church.