John had three loves- his family, coaching and teaching, and sports. It is impossible to separate these areas as they all blended in John’s life. He was married to Sheri (Cheryl Delaney) for 57 years and she was the love of his life. They met on the steps of Sacred Heart School when he was going into third grade and she second. John’s mother and Sheri’s dad taught at Sacred Heart for many years and Herb Delaney actually coached and taught John. In addition to meeting on the steps, John loved to tell the story about teaching Sheri to waterskii at Camp Dearborn when she was nine, while he drove the boat at age 11.

John was the loving father of Kelly Lyn (Jonathan) Beckett, Kevin- dec’d (Melissa), and C.J. He was the proud Grandfather of Christian (Paige) and Isabella Beckett, Tatiana, Lakelynn, and Kennedy Kreger. Dearest brother of Marilou- dec’d (Mike) Ray, Marilyn Haynes and Anne Spillan (Jeff Ford). Brother-in-law to Pat Delaney (Len) Bawol and Pam (Rob) Carefelle. He is also the uncle of David, Susie, Tina Haynes, Michele (Andy) Huff, Patrick (Laura) Ray, John and Steve (Demetria) Spillan, Lisa (Bret) Ingle, Ryan (April) Bawyol, Megan (Preston) Tillstrom, Lori Nauman, Nicole Nauman Stehley, and Colleen (Dan) Gottschalk, as well as grand and great grand nieces and nephews.

John was an excellent athlete, earning varsity letters at Dearborn’s Sacred Heart High School in football, basketball and track. He went on to play basketball for four years at St. Bernard College in Cullman, Alabama where he formed lifelong friendships with teammates who still gather each summer on Elk Lake. He taught waterskiing at Palestra Gymnastics Camp for 18 summers on Elk Lake.

During that time he produced many waterski shows where he skied barefoot, was anchor on a water skiing pyramid and trick skied. There he also met Scott (Susie) McBride who he considered his third son. John then taught sports at Culver Military Academy for six years. Each of these summer jobs was a family experience where his children had wonderful opportunities and Sheri was always on staff.

He played many years of competitive recreational basketball, flag football, tennis and golf. He was inducted into the Dearborn Parks and Recreation Department Hall of Fame in 2004 and the Mercy High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2026.

His undergraduate education at Saint Bernard with the Benedictine monks and his masters degree from Eastern Michigan University served him well in his 35+ years of teaching within the Dearborn Public Schools. During those years he coached football, girls and boys basketball, track, volleyball, and tennis, producing many star athletes and teams at Woodworth, Salina, Fordson, Edsel Ford and Dearborn High. He was so proud of all of those athletes and teams and had a very special spot in his heart for a group of students he taught from first grade through 12th grade. These wonderful student athletes honored John with a special celebration at Fordson this past year.

He was also influential in the athletic careers of his own children who were multi-sport athletes in high school. Kelly, Kevin and CJ all had athletic and academic scholarships to college. He and Sheri were the ultimate fans of the year-round sports events of their children.

More recently, John and Sheri were the proud fans of his grandchildren who have continued the tradition of athletics. Christian, Isabella and Tatiana have competed in multiple high school sports with Christian and Isabella playing college sports. Lakelynn and Kennedy have been active in middle school sports as well. Known for supporting women’s sports, John frequented Mercy High School athletic events.

He delighted in card games with the family! A competitor to the end, he won euchre, cribbage and corn toss this past week.

He was blessed to have so many relationships throughout his life that he treasured. Faith, family and friends have been his anchors and sharing Elk Lake with so many has been his joy! Hospitality was second nature to him.

John Kreger will be missed by many and he will be remembered for his smile and the positive impact he left on the world. He knew he was blessed.

I have fought the good fight

I have finished the race

I have kept the faith

Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness.

2 Timothy 4:7

The family wishes for donations to the following charities:

The Mercy High School Lillian Theriault Kreger Scholarship - Click the "I want to support" to view giving options and choose "Lillian Theriault Kreger Scholarship" or you may also mail a check donation to: Mercy High School Attn: Advancement 29300 W. 11 Mile Rd. Farmington Hills, MI 48336.

The St. Bernard Abbey - Benedictine Monks of Cullman, Alabama