Harold Krecker

Harold “Chief” Krecker, 88, of Crystal Lake, passed away Saturday, June 7, 2014.

Born July 16, 1925 in Norwood Park, IL, he was the son of William and Elizabeth (Schulmeister) Krecker. He was united in marriage to Erna Timm on April 7, 1951 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Crystal Lake.

Harold was hired at the age of 15 by Dwight “Bud” Ormsby (future founder of Ormsby Motors) to sweep floors and pump gas in his Hudson automobile shop in downtown Crystal Lake. After 60 years with Ormsby, Harold retired from selling cars at the age of 70. On July 16, 1985, he retired as Chief of the Crystal Lake Fire Rescue Department after serving with them for over 34 years, from volunteer to part-time to full-time status.

An avid golfer, he also enjoyed fishing, hunting, traveling, and music.

Harold is survived by his cherished daughter, Cheryl (Jerry) Grouzard of Palatine; treasured grandsons, Jeff and Eric Grouzard; dear sisters, Eleanor Stegeman, Lucille (Bob) McAlvey and Hulda Johnson; his loving companion, Jeri Crandall and her children, Marc (Roxie), Bob, Marty, and Candy Horton; and their families including many loving grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Erna in 1999; his parents; brother, Walter; and sister, Lorraine Browder.

The visitation for Harold will be from 3-8 pm, Monday, June 9th, at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 419 E Terra Cotta Ave (IL Rte 176), Crystal Lake. The visitation will continue at Immanuel Lutheran Church – Historic Campus, 178 McHenry Ave, Crystal Lake at 10 am until the time of the funeral service at 11 am, Tuesday, June 10th. Interment will be at Crystal Lake Union Cemetery, West Woodstock Street & Dole Ave, Crystal Lake.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial donations in Harold’s name be made to either the Crystal Lake Fire Rescue Association, 100 W Woodstock St., Crystal Lake, IL 60014, or Immanuel Lutheran Church, 300 Pathway Ct, Crystal Lake IL 60014.

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