Thank For the Wonderful Days, Jack

Jack and Mary’s lifelong friendship commenced and in the 12th grade — after being prodded by the parish priest — Jack finally overcame his shyness and asked Mary on a date.

After high school, Jack entered the Army just as World War II was winding down. After serving two years, he used the GI Bill to pay for an accounting degree. He joined a large aluminum maker in Pittsburgh and he and Mary got married.

Richie arrived a year later, followed by Billy, Nancy, Donny and Linda.

To provide well for his family, Jack worked harder and harder at his job. At his peak he had more than 30 people reporting to him. Sick or not, in 30 years he never missed a day of work.

His parents had died young, as did all three of his older brothers, who died in their 60s. All suffered fatal heart attacks.

He and Mary lived frugally, which gave him the opportunity to retire at 53 and enjoy the rest of his life.

Jack and Mary spent time with family (10 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren), traveled, played cards, went bowling and golfing, and, almost every month, met old friends like my parents for lunch or dinner.

“He always had a smile on his face and brought joy everywhere he went,” my father told me. “He was one of the most decent men I ever met.”

Jack Krieger lived until a few days shy of his 94th birthday. He wasn’t famous or rich.

He was devoted to his surviving wife and his family, paid his bills on time, generously supported charities and his church, and never missed an opportunity to vote.

Our country has flourished because of giants like him — people whose sense of duty, selflessness and example make it possible for the rest of us to enjoy wonderful days on Earth.

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Tom Purcell is an author and humor columnist for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Email him at Tom@TomPurcell.com. Copyright 2021 Tom Purcell, distributed exclusively by Cagle Cartoons newspaper syndicate.