W. Ross Kreiling

W. Ross Kreiling, 82, of Forest City, passed away at 10:17 a.m. Friday, April 27, 2018 at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield. Ross was born on June 16, 1935 in Forest City to Percy Christian and Mable Elizabeth (Langston) Kreiling. He married Dorothy J. House on February 1, 1964 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Springfield. Preceding in death are his parents, one brother, Eldon B. Kreiling and one sister, Marilyn Graff. Surviving are: his wife, Dorothy of Forest City; one son, Jeffery R. (Trudy) Kreiling of Dubuque, IA; one daughter, Beth (Ward) Thomson of Springfield; one granddaughter, Audrey Kreiling of Dubuque, IA; one brother, Marvin D. (Norma Jean) Kreiling of St. Charles, MO; special niece, Marsha Rossi and special nephews, Kerry Kreiling, Dennis Graff and Chris Kreiling. Ross was a graduate of the 2nd class of Forman High School in 1953. He was veteran of the United States Army. He was employed at Mason County Service Company for 27 years retiring in 1997. He then served as the Manito Township Road Commissioner for 13 years retiring in 2009. Ross was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Manito where he served as Chairman, Vice-chairman, Treasurer, Trustee and Elder. He served as President of the Forman School Board of Education for eight and a half years. He was a member of the Forman American Legion, NRA and Mason County Farm Bureau. Ross loved telling stories. He could remember jokes from grade school but not always what he heard ten minutes ago. He never met a stranger. He was always quick to visit with anyone who looked his direction. If he met you once you became a friend. He was fun loving even joking with the doctors he would have to see each month. He loved the hugs the ladies at church would give him each week. The bench was a good place to meet for lots of laughter and visits. He had such a great visit with the cardiologist each time he visited. He always looked forward to his “visits”. He looked forward to the Kennedy reunion each year visiting all the cousins. He will be greatly missed by family and friends. Ross was proud of his children and all that they had become. He loved his kids and granddaughter above all else. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 2, 2018 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Manito with Rev. Matthew Berndt officiating. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 1 at the church and from 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. Wednesday at the church. Burial will be in Meadow Lawn Cemetery in Manito. Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church. To send online condolences go to www.hendersonfuneralcare.com.