In Memory of a Pillar of the Community
John H. Kriewall, 92 If anyone can be said to be “of” a community, John Kriewall was of Port Hope. He spent his life dedicated to his wife, his family, his customers and the people of his community.
They kept him busy. John Henry Kriewall, 92, of Port Hope, died peacefully Sept. 4 in Harbor Beach Community Hospital’s long-term care unit. As always, he was among family and friends. Helping out, in his mind, was just something you do if you’re privileged to have the opportunity. He poured coffee at community events, made often-difficult decisions as a trustee here and board member there, created memorable entries for the 4th of July parade, sold 50/50 raffle tickets, and left at all hours responding to fire calls.
He said not long ago, as his health was declining, “Man, it’s a lot easier helping out than it is asking for help.”
John Kriewall was born Sept. 15, 1925, at the family farm outside Port Hope. He married Marla Winkel Nov. 22, 1952. They have five children: Garth (Diane) Kriewall of Port Huron; Rodney (Kathy) Kriewall of San Jose, CA; Beth (Gene) King of Bancroft, MI; Martin (Darla) Kriewall of New Richmond, WI; and Dinah (Wayne) Watson of Doraville, GA. They have six grandchildren: Rayna (Josh) Wierenga and Faith (Wes) Carlson of San Luis Obispo, CA; Heather (Jordan) Adams of Kill Devil Hills, NC; John Walter Kriewall of Tampa, FL; Will Kriewall of East Lansing; and David Franklin of Woodbury, MN. They also have four great-children.
John lived his life on the family farm in Gore Township. It was designated a centennial farm in 2014. John worked outside the farm at the Port Hope elevator. He spent most of his career as a business owner servicing Harvestore sealed storage silos. Upon his retirement, he drove school bus for Port Hope Community Schools. His civic activities included the Port Hope Fire Department, Port Hope Community Schools Board of Education, Gore Township board, East Huron Ambulance Service board, Sanilac Intermediate School District board, Huron County Fire Association board, and St. John Lutheran Church.
Funeral Arrangements
Visitation will be 2 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 7. Services will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 8 at St. John Lutheran Church, Port Hope. Visitation also will be 9 a.m. until time of services at the church. Internment will be in Marquardt Cemetery, Gore Township. Memorials may be made to Harbor Beach Community Hospital long-term care unit, the Port Hope Fire Department, or the stained glass fund at St. John Lutheran Church.
