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Donald Joseph Brown Kreuch, 83, a resident of Albuquerque, passed away on Wednesday, September 30, 2009. He is survived by his children, Tony Kreuch Sr and spouse Jeannie, of Albuquerque, Jim Kreuch of Denver, Colorado, and Bob Kreuch and spouse Carol of Bothell, Washington, grandchildren Alissa Kreuch and Tony Kreuch Jr, Tal Kreuch and spouse Erica, Patrick Kreuch and Alex Kreuch, sister Ina Stewart, sister-in-law Billye Kreuch, nephews Eric Stewart, John Kreuch and nieces Karen Phillips, and Janice Carter. He was preceded in death by his parents John Kreuch and Otha Brown Kreuch and his brother Bill Kreuch, brother-in-law Forrest Stewart and nephew Kyle Stewart. Don was born in Peoria, Illinois and spent most of his life in New Mexico. He was an athlete at Santa Fe High School, lettering in football, baseball and basketball. He played semiprofessional baseball and also baseball and basketball in Japan with U.S. Army service teams. He was an avid and accomplished tennis player. He maintained his love of sports throughout his life and was an avid fan of the UNM Lobos and often attended home football games. In his early years he worked as a ranch cowboy and he had a lifelong love of horses and the outdoors. He served his country proudly and bravely as a United States Army infantryman during World War II with the 164th Infantry Americal Division in the Phillipines, receiving the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and several additional decorations. He was an active member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and remained active in that organization until the end of his life. He also was a regular volunteer at the New Mexico Veteran's Memorial in Albuquerque. Don's career in advertising sales spanned more than four decades with Brown & Bigelow, Neil Elder & Associates and Don Kreuch Advertising. He enjoyed serving his customers with old fashioned care, traveling to many small towns throughout New Mexico and Southern Colorado. He was a devout Catholic with a strong faith and active as a volunteer with the St. Vincent de Paul Society and a member of Sangre de Cristo Catholic Community for many years. Friends may visit French ~ Wyoming Chapel Monday, October 5, 2009, 5:00 p.m. until the Rosary, at 7:00 p.m., with Deacon Lloyd Martinez reciting. Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 6, 2009, 10:30 a.m., at Sangre de Cristo Catholic Church, 8901 Candelaria NE, 293-2327, with Fr. Robert Lancaster Celebrant. Interment will be at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Military Order of Purple Heart, P.O., c/o New Mexico Veteran's Memorial, P.O. Box 8389, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Please visit our online guestbook for Donald at RememberTheirStory.com French 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400
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