Obituary of Karl Kreidler

WESTFIELD - Karl Frederick ?Fritz? Kreidler, age 100, of Westfield, NY formerly of Merritt Island, FL and North Plainfield, NJ, died at the home of his grand-daughter in Westfield, NY on August 29 after a brief illness. He was born March 17, 1907 in Offenburg, Germany, son of the late Karl and Emma (Huber) Kreidler. Karl sailed to America in 1927 and found a job as a ?greaser mechanic? in Newark, NJ. He attended Night School to learn English and eventually worked his way up to ?Master Mechanic? at Eckners Garage in New Jersey. He found his way to Singerbund Halle (The German Club) in North Plainfield, NJ to attend dances and concerts with friends. It was here he met his lovely, strawberry- blonde wife, Ida Eckner. They were married in 1932 and enjoyed 64 happy years together. Both Ida and Fritz were active members of the club for over 60 years. Karl was also active at St. Peters Lutheran Church, the Plainfield Masonic Lodge and the Plainfield Chapter of the Old Guard. In recent years he volunteered at the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge Center and the Sunflower House in Merritt Island, Florida. His favorite hobbies were spending time with family, playing pinochle and entertaining others with his harmonica. Karl is survived by his son Eric Kreidler of Merritt Island, FL, his 5 grandchildren: Mark Kreidler of Getzville, NY, Charlene Luethje of Lincoln, NE, Lizbeth Mandeville of Merritt Island, FL, and Jennifer Kitchen of Westfield, NY, as well as his 11 great grand children. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ida Eckner Kreidler, his son, Robert Kreidler and by his granddaughter, Wendy Kreidler. A Memorial Service was held at The First Baptist Church of Westfield, NY on Sept. 4th. Gifts in Karl?s memory may be given to Health First Hospice of Merritt Island or Chautauqua County Hospice, 4840 West Lake Rd Mayville, NY 14787. Arrangements are by the MASON Funeral Home, 37 Clinton St., Westfield, NY 14787