Jack Conrad Kreie

Jack Conrad Kreie died at home in Las Cruces, N.M., on Aug. 28, 2014. He was born July 2, 1925, in Wright, Kan., to Ray C. Kreie and Octova (Parker) Kreie. He grew up in and around Johnson City in western Kansas during the Dust Bowl years. Graduating from high school in 1944, he immediately joined the U.S. Marine Corps. He served as a radio operator and turret gunner on a fighter aircraft in the South Pacific during World War II. After the war, he earned a bachelor's degree in physical education at the University of Kansas, pursuing a goal to become a high school coach. A few months before he graduated, he met and married Mary Jo Newlin of West Fork, Ark. In 1950, their first child, Wade, was born. About the same time, Jack was called up again for service during the Korean Conflict. Posted as a radio operator in California, Jack was able to have his family with him. In 1951, their second child, Deborah, was born. After his military service, Jack wanted more schooling so he took advantage of the G.I. Bill and earned a master's degree in education from the University of Colorado. It was during this time that his love for science developed. In addition to coaching, he began teaching science in various schools in Wyoming and Kansas. Two more children were born, Jennifer in 1953 and Beverly in 1958. In the early 1960s, Jack moved his family to northwest Arkansas where he worked as a principal in the public schools of Huntsville, Prairie Grove and Greenland before starting his 29-year career teaching chemistry and other sciences at Fayetteville High School. During summers, he often attended teacher workshops, leading to his reputation among students for knowing the latest trends in science. Although he challenged his students, he also engaged them with his wit, dry humor and even practical jokes on occasion. Jack's work day did not end with the school day, however. He designed and built the house on the family's farm, and he stayed busy after hours with farm work and tending his horses. Jack also was an avid tennis player who built a court on the farm and competed in numerous tournaments. In 1994, Jack retired from teaching, but true to form, he looked for new endeavors. During this period, he got licensed for scuba diving, and he and Mary Jo traveled frequently. They especially liked the adventure of elder hostel programs that took them from the mountain heights of Ecuador to the wilds of the Cook Islands. In 2006, Jack and Mary Jo moved to Las Cruces to live near daughter Jennifer Kreie. 
 Jack is survived by his wife, Mary Jo; his son, Wade of Little Rock; daughter, Deborah Camacho of Nashville; daughter, Jennifer of Las Cruces; daughter, Beverly of Las Cruces; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren; one surviving sibling, Karen Fanning of Massachusetts. The family invites friends and relatives to a memorial celebration with refreshments on Saturday, Sept. 20, from noon until 2 p.m. The location is at a home on Hogeye Road, 13234 Nickles Road, West Fork, 72774. For detailed directions or other information, contact Jennifer Kreie at 575-571-0300.