GOSHEN -- J. Robert Kreider was born in Wadsworth, Ohio, on Dec. 30th, 1919, the fourth of five children to Lloyd S. and Adelia (Stover) Kreider, and died on Nov. 30th, 2009, at Greencroft in Goshen.
Robert obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Goshen College. He married Virginia Stalter of Flanagan, Ill., on June 10th, 1941; served for three years in Civilian Public Service in Clearspring, Md., and Medaryville, Ind.; was general manager for the Wright Automotive Service, Wadsworth, Ohio, while serving as pastor to the Bethel Mennonite Church.
As treasurer of the Mennonite General Conference of North America (1951-63), he encouraged congregations to move to unified church budgets. The remainder of his career was devoted to college administration at Goshen College where he was director of development (1956-62), director of public relations (1962-71) and business manager (1971-85). He served for 20 years as the board secretary for Mennonite Mutual Aid and was a member of the College Mennonite Church for half a century.
Robert is survived by Virginia and their five sons, J. Evan (Janice Aeschliman) of Vancouver, Canada, Paul (Kay Sutter) of Springfield, Ohio, Mark (Amy Hill) of New York, N.Y., Bruce (Charlotte Unruh) of North Newton, Kan., and Franklin (Lori Fritter) of Jackson, Mich.; by grandchildren, Vivian (Stephen Deal), Aaron, Kara, Alyssa (William Sunderland), Kristin, Michael (Michelle), Christopher (Sofaia) and Nicholas; and by great-granddaughters, Katelyn and Elizabeth.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, Leonard, Carl and Don, and is survived by one sister, Ruth Heatwole of Harrisonburg, Va., and numerous nieces and nephews.
Private interment will be at the Violett Cemetery. Visitation is from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 5th, in the Koinonia Room at College Mennonite Church. The memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6th, at College Mennonite Church, with the Rev. Klaudia Smucker officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to Goshen College or Mennonite Mission Network.