John Kreitzer Obituary

Barbara, I just heard about Jack's passing. I remember the few times he came to the training room, and what a nice man he was. My condolences to you and your family.

Claudia....this is your friend Joanne (Aungst) Prindle....I was looking for you and found this entry about Jack's passing. I'm so sorry...my love goes out to you and Carolyn.

I learned of Jack's passing in the OSU alumni magazine recently. After some surfing I found this site. Jack and I were friends from kindergarten through college. Then careers took us down different paths. We had some good times together. The photos I saw brought back good memories especially the one of Jack in his cub scout uniform. That was taken in front of our garage door. I have one of me just like it. My thoughts and condolences to all of Jack's family.

Jerry Morse

Hi Barb

Lin and I are thinking about you and so glad Aaron and Angella are there for you and with you. Please call on anytime day or night when you think we might be of assistance to you. Love to talk and I can listen great. I am a great listener and once in a while I might have an answer.l

Here are some thoughts and memmories I have of Jack when we were children
A nice memmory I have about Jack is when Jack and Carolyn and I would go for a vacation with our parents every year during the summer. I remember two special times when we all went camping up at Mt. Rainier. My Dad had a large army tent that fit the five of us and we all slept in that tent. That night there was a thunder storm and it rained very hard and we woke up to our sleeping bags floating within the tent and we were all sopped. At the time it did not seem funny but now brings back moments of bonding and love. Another tlime we went to Diamond Lake camping and were rained out again. Our Grandparents lived not too far away and we went to their house to dry out. While camping I remember we cooked hotdogs playing in the water and in the evening we made summores. It was really fun to be with my sister and brother. Jack went fishing and I believe caught a small fish and Mom cooked it in a pan for him. Jack liked to swim and had fun in the lake. I also remember my Dad took us in a row boat a nd Jack rowed for us and with us. He loved and it was a special time for all us us. Even as an adult Jack belonged to a camping group and it was great for him.
Jack will be honored and loved by us all.

John Kreitzer was the youngest child of John and Irma Kreitzer and was always called Jack by his family. He was born on Jan. 8, 1948 at Emanuel Hospital in Portland OR and joined two older sisters, Carolyn and Claudia. He grew up in Raleigh Hills just west of Portland and attended Raleigh Hills grade school and Beaverton High School. He and his family were active at Valley Community Presbyterian Church where he was confirmed. He was a Cub Scout, then a Boy Scout and was part of former governor Vic Atiyah’s Scout troop. He had happy memories attending Camp Merriweather, the Scout Camp at the coast. A challenging hike around Lake Chelan with his troop gave him blisters, but these experiences were important to him and he later became Scout assistant leader for his son Aaron’s troop.

During Jack’s growing up years, his family took yearly camping trips with their old army tent and sleeping bags. We have wonderful memories of camping in the Redwoods, at Diamond Lake, Mount Rainier, and Orcas Island. Our mother’s parents lived in Medford on a pear orchard and every summer we spent several weeks with them. Often our cousins on our Mother’s side were also visiting grandma and grandpa. The children all slept outside under the stars on those hot summer evenings. Of course, there was no air conditioning at that time. Jack’s paternal grandparents had retired to Laguna Beach in Southern California and we had cousins in the Las Angeles area. We camped along the California Coast as we went down to visit them. Once there, we went to Knott’s Berry Farm and drove through Beverly Hills looking at the homes of movie stars.

As Jack got older, he started a paper route with the Oregon Journal. He delivered papers on his bicycle during the week and his mother always drove him around on Sunday mornings when the papers were very heavy. Later, his sister, Carolyn, drove him on Sunday mornings. He added more people to his route as he got older and he was pleased to have cash on hand to support his hobbies. He also worked in a shoe store for a while after school.

Jack enjoyed sports, especially baseball, and played on a Little League team for many years. He was so excited when his team was in the playoffs at Alpenrose Dairy.

Jack developed his interest in electricity at an early age. He put together a model railroad in our parent’s basement on a piece of plywood which hung over his bed. Later, he became a ham radio operator and had the distinction of being the youngest operator in Oregon. He worked on the radio constantly and talked his parents into putting a huge antenna in the top of a cedar tree in the back yard. He contacted people all over the world and spent late night hours on the radio. He often relayed messages to families in the military when they had trouble connecting by telephone.

Jack attended Oregon State University and finished the 5 year engineering program in just 4 years. During this time he married Terri and their first child, Angela was born on Jack’s graduation day. The whole family was in Corvallis for Jack’s graduation and we were delighted to also have a new baby arrive that day. Two years later Aaron was born and the family was delighted to have another Kreitzer.

During the Vietnam War, Jack joined the Army National Guard and was stationed for a while in Alaska. He also worked for the Federal Government for a while in Bremerton. His parents were very happy when he moved back to Oregon and began working for Bonneville Power Administration. Jack married Barbara in 1977 and they enjoyed watching Angie and Aaron grow up. Jack and Barbara celebrated life together for the next 33 years.

Barb,

I’ve tried to write up some thoughts. I am not sure whether they are appropriate for the minister or whether I should try reading them out loud. I might be able to do it – but we might need a backup plan. I’ve asked others to give you information – I don’t know if they have done that or not. Feel free to call me tonight – before 9:30PM or in the morning here (892-4925) or at work (418-2038).



I’ve attached my thoughts and I am putting them here too, in case you can’t open my attachment.

Love,

Rita



At work Jack embodied both excellent technical skills as an electrical engineer, but also wonderful personal skills as a coach and mentor to so many of us. It was a rare and wonderful combination of talent.



It’s hard to find stories about Jack – he didn’t get ruffled and do something stupid like the rest of us.



I remember when the transformer at Troutdale exploded. He told me and Verne to watch the front gate for the fire trucks and hold them till they de-energized the yard and then went to help the operator. He stayed calm.



I met him when he worked in the Portland Area Office. He was known even then for thinking of the whole system and not just his SPC District or his area. We needed a more flexible short circuit analysis program to get fault data for setting relays. The Portland area purchased the Aspen short circuit analysis program and Jack loaded every line and transformer in the BPA system on it (a major job). After checking to make sure it would work – he gave it to the branch to administer for all for BPA; one small example of him looking out for all of us.



Jack was both a friend and a supervisor to his crew. They willingly spend their free time together camping, flying airplanes or just sharing a meal.



Jack never had a negative work to say about anyone, he was always positive and inspired the rest of us to be more positive.



You could always stop and talk with Jack – he had an open door and a willing heart to listen. If you needed to talk over a tough decision he was there, if you needed to review a relay setting – he’d help and if you needed a shoulder to cry on – he had one.



Jack’s legacy is both the memories we all hold of him listening and talking with us as well as the clear technical documents he created for all of us to use. On June 10, 2010, Jack’s last day at BPA before taking some time off to be with his family, he worked with me and Bob Beck to figure out ways to better document our SPC guidelines.



We’ve lost both a friend and mentor and we all will miss Jack; but his legacy of structured guidelines for setting relays and his calm caring approach to life will stay with us for a long time.

By Rita Coppernoll

From: Casey Bergstrom ([email protected])
Sent: Mon 7/05/10 9:07 PM
To: Barb Kreitzer ([email protected])


Hi Barb,

Work takes me to Denver this week and it saddens me to know I will miss Jack's memorial on Wednesday. I also know that Katie could not get the day off from work. So, as Casey represents the family on Wednesday, please know you are in my thoughts. I hope we will have many opportunities in the future to share fond memories of your great guy.

Randy

From: David Relyea
To: [email protected]
Sent: Mon, July 5, 2010 4:49:00 PM
Subject: Jack Kreitzer



I have a true story about Jack.

Keeler Sub Station was Jack's first field assignment and he was unfortuntely exsposed to Rex Lyon and Dave Relyea! Rex and I got wind that a photographer was on his way to Keeler to take a picture of a Craftsman on the job. We did not want to be in any picture; so we got lost and Jack ended up in the Craftsman article!! We all kidded Jack for awhile; Jack was a genuine person and an exceptional engineer. Jack and I ended up divorced about the same time and I lived with him about a year. Our boss said I lived in Jack's Half Way House for Unwed Fathers. When I lived at Jack,s half way House I ended up with a cross eyed Siamese tomcat named Sam,Jack's children Angie and Aaron liked Sam so he stayed there when I left.

I have lost a very good friend and will remember and miss him always!



Dave Relyea

From: Ron Postlewait [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Sunday, July 04, 2010 8:13 PM
To: 'Bill'
Subject: RE: funeral for Jack Kreitzer



I have no story, but as long as I have known Jack and Barb I have been impress with the way they treat each other. Jack was so kind and soft spoken. You would think they were still dating. DOT…………….

From: Heckroth,Roger B - TFVI-AMPN-1
Sent: Tuesday, July 06, 2010 11:02 AM
To: Coppernoll,Rita M - TECS-AMPS
Subject: RE: some thoughts


Jack was highly respected by everyone for his technical abiltiy and his likability. He was well liked by everyone and yet because of his technical credability, he could challenge ideas without offending anyone. He was a mentor, but also a father figure to many younger employees and even to people his own age. To me that said a lot about his personality. He always had a way to make you feel better about a bad situation because in some way, you knew he had probably been there himself.

*Jack and naps, they go together like peanut butter and jelly. Jack would often be caught napping. Napping at the campfire, at the movies, just about anywhere. One time we took a ski trip together. We rented a movie, Jack took a little nap at the beginning of the movie and missed the first part. (which explained who was who .) At the end of the movie Jack admitted that the movie was quite confusing and he couldn't understand who was who. We all laughed and they had to rent it again only this time he would watch the first half and then nap during the second half since he had already seen that part. Jack could nap just about anywhere and anytime, It was fun to catch him.

***********Kim & Bill





*Jack and I shared a sweet tooth. Often we all would go on vacations together, one time we all went to Hawaii where we would rent a car. Traveling around the Island we often would stop at a store to pick up some snacks. Upon arriving at the cookie aisle, and with a twinkle in his eye we would buy cookies. Knowing that Barb might only eat one or maybe two, and Bill probably none, meant we got them all. He could easily be persuaded to buy sweets. We happily traveled with cookie crumbs on our faces and our shirts. So now when I have a cookie I'll have and extra on for Jack.

***********Kim Sullivan

Thank you. We will certainly miss Jack. He was a special person whoalways had a smile on his face. Our hearts and thoughts are with Barbieand all of your family. We love you, Louie and Melanee Melanee F. RennerAdministrative Services ManagerECG Management Consultants, Inc.P 206-689-2200 | F 206-689-2209 | D [email protected] Third Avenue, Suite 2700Seattle, WA 98101-3201

bob&connie bob&[email protected]

Hi dear Barbie,We are shocked and heartbroken over Jack's passing. His life was taken too soon. Bob and I are grateful to have know such a loving man as Jack and will always keep his memory alive.Please know that we support you in this trying time and are there for you forever.I would like to share an inspirational poem that I just recently recited for my Dad's memorial but believe it is so fitting for Jack too: When I come to the end of the roadAnd the sun has set for meI want no rites in a gloom-filled room.Why cry for a soul set free?Miss me a little - but not too longAnd not with your head bowed low.Remember the love that we once sharedMiss me - but let me go.For this is a journey that we all must takeAnd each must go alone. It's all a part of the Master's planA step on the road to home.When you are lonely and sick of heartGo to the friends we knowAnd bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.Miss me - but let me go. We love you Barbie.Yours with heavy hearts,Bob and Connie Correlje

Dear Barb, I am so sorry to read of Jack's passing. You two were a special couple. I remember many fun times at Montgomery Ward Christmas parties. Sandy (Van Bemmel) Richards

Jack was one of the best engineers I have ever worked with and the electric utility industry will miss miss him greatly. I was lucky enough to travel with Jack to a technical conference in New York City, where I had an opportunity to get to know him as a person. We had a productive and fun time, the best work trips I have ever had. My condolences to his familiy and freinds around him.

Jack was highly respected by everyone for his technical abiltiy and his likability. He was well liked by everyone and yet because of his technical credability, he could challenge ideas without offending anyone. He was a mentor, but also a father figure to many younger employees and even to people his own age. To me that said a lot about his personality. He always had a way to make you feel better about a bad situation because in some way, you knew he had probably been there himself.
I knew Jack as a mentor/friend at work for the past 21 years. He was an amazing man to know and I'm glad I was fortunate to have that opportunity. Thanks so much to Jack's family for sharing him with all of us. We are all feeling what seems huge to us but I know is just a small fraction of how you as a loved one feels with this loss. You are in our prayers.

We are sometimes fortunate enough to meet a few individuals during our lifetime whose goodness and decency rise well above others. Jack was one of those few. Not only was Jack intelligent, he was kind and thoughtful. He was always pleasant, had good manners, a great sense of humor, and was respectful of others. I and every one who knew Jack will miss him greatly. He won’t be forgotten. My deepest sympathy’s to his family.

I will truly miss passing him in the halls and having those peaceful exchanges with him. He embodied all that was good in this life. He was an extraordinary man that really was able to seek to understand other people yet he kept from burdening others. What a brave soul...he didn't share his steady struggle but bravely carried it through. I was so relieved to hear that he died in peace..he deserved that and so much more. It was an honor to know him. I can see from his pictures that he packed a lot of life in. My heart is with his family and friends.

I just returned from a family reunion of the Skerritt clan in Montana. Jack's mother Irma is a first cousin of ours. We were together with Jack and his parents at my daughter Katrina's wedding a few years ago. He was a wonderful person.

The family will be in our prayers.

Dan Skerritt,
Portland, Oregon.

Jack was such a nice person always smiling and saying hello.
He had such knowledge of the control systems at BPA. He was always logical and you could count on his answer to even the most complicated issues.
My deepest sympathy to his family.

Jack certainly was a exceptional protection engineer. I learned not to disagree with him, he was always right. But even more important than his engineering excellence was his patient and gentle manner when dealing with people. Jack is certainly a man in the true sense of the word; he loved and cared for those around him. God bless you Jack and your family.

I knew Jack from BPA. When I began at BPA I was a trainee. I got to know Jack and would call him with questions. Jack was always very friendly and helpful. I was in my late forties and found the training process to be tough, but Jack always encouraged me to hang in there. He would never let work be the only topic for we had to talk of golf, Hawaii, and as he got to know me we would talk of Christ. He was a good man and I never thanked him for all he did, so Thanks Jack. See ya around. Bob Sajdak BPA The Dalles, OR.

Jack made everyone feel special. When he said "hello, how are you?" He meant it. He was a very special man who will be dearly missed.

Not only was Jack a great Engineer, but he was a real person that cared about his coworkers. I will miss Jack and am very priviledged to have known him and to work with him at Bonneville Power.
Mike Bell

Jack was a great mentor and friend. His depth of knowledge, patience and kindness in spirit made him a natural teacher, advisor and a great friend.
Here at work there are countless examples of substation operators, linemen, electricians, management personnel and fellow engineers who would depend on Jack for a "quick answer" to something related to work. Everyone would go to Jack because they knew his response would be sound and not a guess.
Jack and I shared interest in the model airplane hobby. He actually got me back into the hobby after 20 years of inactivity by giving me his pylon racing plane. He helped me locate my downed airplane more than once in the Fern Prairie flying field - once on his own, because I had trouble breathing from my allergies to the alfalfa. We had many enjoyable conversations both while flying and in the pits.
I will miss Jack greatly.

Barb - we were so sorry to hear of your loss. We have many fond memories of fun camping trips with you and Jack and the Antler & Fin family. We wanted you to know you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Loved his humor and shared it in Garrison Kellor shows. Can't forgot the annual meetings of the Super Bowl parties and rating the commerials... My prayers are with you and Barb.

As neighbors..and kids growing up together, I remember Jack with great fondness. What a blessing Jack was to his family, as a grown up. What a joy he was to us all on Brentwood Street, as we grew up. Warmest regards to all of you. I will be remembering you today in my prayers.

I remember Jack from his days as district engineer, M&R, at Troutdale. Quiet, Capable, Dependable.
Good Luck Jack.
Charley Spiker

Jack was a credit to the engineering profession and to BPA. I've worked with Jack on several projects and he has always been open minded, professional and had the best interests of the project in mind. He will be missed as a person and a fellow engineer. My condolences to his family.

Frank Phillips

Barb and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jack was one of kind!
Always had a ready smile, bright eyes, and love for life and his family. He will be missed.
BPA was fortunate to have someone like Jack, for 36 years. He made a positive difference and didn't add to the problems of others. He was a very good and kind man to be around.

Working with Jack at BPA was always such a great expreience. He was always helpful and willing to share his knowledge with others. But even more then a valued coworker, I felt that Jack was a good friend and I will always value that friendship. Barbara, you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Our families were across the street neighbors- Jack and I were the same age. I remember lots of football, baseball and basketball played on Brentwood Street. I also remember Jack and I meeting at Valley Bowling after we had finished our Sunday morning paper routes. Breakfast and Bowling!
All my best thoughts to his family.

Jack, we will miss you. I have never met a nicer person. In spite of all the projects BPA Operations gave you, you always got it done right and mostly with a smile.

My thoughts are with you and your family! He was always a very kind man!

Jack was the true description of who & how, & what a christian man was.
I am forever grateful for the time I spent with him & Barbara.
Barbara: your family will be in my heart & prayers.

I remember Jack from my short time at Beaverton High. He was a lot of fun, courteous and mild mannered. I am sure he carried those traits with him as he went on in his life.

My condolences to the family, it has been years since we have seen one another, but I recall all of you. God Bless all of you.