Norman Herr Kreider

Norman H. Kreider, 85

Norman Herr Kreider, 85, a resident of Harrisonburg, passed away early on Saturday morning, December 22, 2018 at Sentara RMH Medical Center.

Mr. Kreider was born on April 23, 1933 in East Petersburg, Pennsylvania and was the son of the late Elmer H. and Mary A. Herr Kreider. After graduating from Eastern Mennonite College with a degree in Music, he was owner and operator of Miles Music Company for about 20 years. Upon early retirement, Norman poured his efforts into volunteer work with various charitable organizations. He was significantly involved in the opening of Gift and Thrift where he served as the first manager. As a team leader with Mennonite Disaster Service for many years, Norman spent numerous long days assisting in cleanup and reconstruction efforts for those experiencing devastating loss. He was passionate about music, woodworking, and gardening, and relished time spent with others, generously sharing and teaching these skills. He loved crafting creative projects and furniture for his family and shared his workshop freely. Norman cherished all opportunities to share his life with his wife and family, and was an active member of Weavers Mennonite Church.

On June 23, 1956, he married the former Dorothy Lehman who survives.

Also surviving are two daughters, Emily Gelser and husband Darrell of Harrisonburg, Jeanette Hershey and husband Gerald of Waynesboro; a daughter-in-law and son-in-law, Andy and Marcia Smith; three brothers, Frank Kreider, John Kreider, Clyde Kreider; nine grandchildren, Joshua Gelser and wife Laura, Matthew Gelser, Jessica Gelser, Laura Hershey, Rachel Hershey, Dorothy Hershey, Lanae Kreider Mehegan and husband David, Gabriel Kreider and wife Justice, Kailyn Kreider; two great-grandchildren, Elise and Elliott Gelser; and a very special friend, Ada Zhang.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Kreider was preceded in death by a son, David Kreider who passed away in 1999 and four brothers and three sisters.

Pastor Phil Kanagy will conduct a memorial service on Thursday, December 27, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Weavers Mennonite Church.

At his request, the body was cremated.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Virginia Mennonite Missions, 601 Parkwood Drive, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22802 or the VMRC Good Samaritan Fund, 1491 Virginia Avenue, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22802.

Those wishing to leave an online condolence to the family may do so by visiting www.mcmullenfh.com.

McMullen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.