Paul E. Kreilein, 87, Jasper

Paul E. Kreilein, 87, of Jasper, passed away at 7:10 a.m. on Friday, February 14, 2020, at Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center in Jasper. 

Paul was born in Jasper on July 28, 1932, to Anton “Tony” and Emma (Scherle) Kreilein. He married Luella Heitz on June 9, 1956 in St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Huntingburg. 

He was a U.S. Navy veteran who served as a radio operator in the Korean War and was a lifetime member of the Jasper VFW Post #673. Paul retired from the Haysville Mill after 38 years of service where he served as the operations manager. He was also a part time farmer. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Jasper. He was a former member of the Jasper Moose and Jasper Outdoor Recreation. Paul was fundamental in helping to start the Haysville Volunteer Fire Department. He enjoyed being a ham radio operator and hunting, fishing, and gardening. He was an avid IU basketball and St. Louis Cardinal’s fan, enjoyed spending time with friends and family, and always had a joke to share.

He is survived by his wife, Luella Kreilein of Jasper; three sons, Michael Kreilein (Carla) of Newport News Va., Philip Kreilein (Sharie) of Haysville, and Andrew Kreilein (Elaine) of Bretzville; three grandchildren, Kevin, Will and Jack Kreilein; four step-grandchildren, Morgan, Adrian, Evan, and Natalie; four step-great-grandsons, Evan, Julian, Max, and Owen; three sisters, Kathleen Oser (Jerome) of Huntingburg, Carol Gwaltney (Vincent) of New Harmony, and Phyllis “Jane” Winkel of Jasper.  

Preceding him in death were his parents.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Paul E. Kreilein will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 19, 2020, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Jasper, with burial to follow in Shiloh Cemetery in Jasper. The VFW Post #673 will conduct military graveside rights. 

A visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 18, 2020, at the Becher-Kluesner Downtown Chapel in Jasper. 

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church or to a favorite charity.

Online condolences may be made at www.becherkluesner.com.