Al Krietemeier

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 12, 2014 at Wesley United Methodist Church, 2206 4th St., Charleston, IL with Rev. Robert Clark and Rev. Robert Swickard officiating, assisted by Mike Giertz. Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 11, 2014 and one hour before services Wednesday both in the church. Arrangements are by Howe and Yockey Funeral Home in Strasburg, IL. Memorials may be given to Strasburg United Methodist Church, Wesley United Methodist Church, Charleston or Roundhouse Softball Complex in Mattoon, IL.

Al was born on January 26, 1945 in Strasburg, IL, the son of Cecil L. and Inez L. (Richards) Krietemeier. He graduated from Stewardson-Strasburg High School in 1963 and from Eastern Illinois University in 1967. He married Julie Elaine Richards on June 13, 1976 in Stewardson, IL. Al taught Jr. High at Stewardson-Strasburg and was the basketball, baseball and track coach for 10 years. He later taught for 17 years at Charleston Jr. High and was the basketball coach for six years. While at Charleston, he was named Teacher of the Year in 1990 and 1992 and IESA Coach of the Year in 1989, 1991 and 1993. Al enjoyed playing fast pitch softball and was an All-State Catcher for nine years while playing in the AA Division. He was inducted into the Illinois Hall of Fame for Fast Pitch Softball. Al coached Little League, Babe Ruth League and American Legion Baseball in Mattoon, IL for 14 years. He served for 12 years as Co-Director of Natural Helpers (Drug Prevention) Program, nine years as Director of Christian Education at First Christian Church in Mattoon, IL, seven years as Director of Christian Education at Charleston Presbyterian Church, and 10 years as Director of Migrant Education for EIU. Al was a very Godly man, and served in the ministry for 17 years. He was a member of Strasburg United Methodist Church for over 38 years and a Lay Speaker for 10 years, and was currently a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Charleston, IL. He owned and operated “Big Al’s” Concession for the past 20 years. During the “off-season”, Al loved following his favorite teams, the Dodgers and Illini. Through his ministry, teaching, sports, and concessions he touched many lives making lifelong friendships. Al was extremely caring and giving – always putting others before himself.

He is survived by his loving wife, Julie; cherished daughters, Allison (Chris) Walden of Mattoon, IL and Ashley Krietemeier of Charleston, IL; adored grandchildren, Hadleigh Reese Walden and Hampton Christian Walden who called him “Pop”; mother-in-law, Florence Richards of Effingham, IL; brothers-in-law, Mark (Debbie) Richards of Stewardson, IL and John (Perrie Sue) Richards of Effingham, IL; sister-in-law, Beth (Steve) Macke of Marshall, IL; special “mother”, Marge Green of Strasburg, IL; six nieces; one nephew; and many great nieces and great nephews.

Al was preceded in death by his parents; twin granddaughters, Teigan Elaine Walden and Tinsley Marie Walden; brother, Hugh Krietemeier; sister and brother-in-law, Joyce (John) Frantz; and father-in-law, Ray Richards.

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