Longtime LeRoy Boys Home employee, athlete, traveler, volunteer

David William Kriezel died peacefully on April 12 at the age of 77.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Betty (Spann); sons, Bobby (Leslie) and Douglas (Tina); brother, Gary (Shirley); and sister, Sandy Kriezel.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Douglas and William “Bill” Kriezel.

He was born in Norfolk, Nebraska on November 16, 1942 to Earl W. and Lorene V. (Best). His family moved to Claremont in 1956, where he attended Claremont High School and, in 1959, met the love of his life, Betty.

He loved all sports and excelled in track and field, baseball, basketball and football, but golf and cycling were his favorite. He also loved to travel, both  in the US and internationally.

Mr. Kriezel attended both Mt. San Antonio College and California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.

Among his first jobs was a communications/salesman for Allis Chalmers and Case earth moving equipment. In 1975 he began his life’s work at LeRoy Boys Home in La Verne, a career he thoroughly enjoyed. All LeRoy’s 76 boys knew him as “Uncle Dave.” He retired as director of support services in 2005.

Mr. Kriezel was active in his community as a member of the Pomona Jaycees. He also served as the La Verne Rotary Club’s president in 1997, and as a Red Cross volunteer, where in 2004 he made a trip to Florida to aid hurricane victims. In addition, he was a planning commissioner for the city of La Verne for eight years.

“Dave lived a full and adventurous life doing the things he loved to do,” his family shared.

He leaves behind seven grandchildren whom he loved so much—Ashley, 35; Jason, 31; Devin, 25; Cassidy, 25; Curtiss, 24; Bryce, 24; and Allyson, 18; and a great-granddaughter, Bryley, 12.

Arrangements are pending. Interment is at Oak Park Cemetery, Claremont.