James Kreis

James 'Clayton' Kreis, 76, went to be with his Lord on Sunday November 9, 2008 at the Good Samaritan Hospital. He was born April 8 1932 in Wartburg Tennessee to Lewis D. and Edith A. (Bardill) Kreis. He attended school in Wartburg. He joined the US Army in 1949 right before his 17th birthday and served for 3 years, 2 month and 8 days during the Korean War. He was united in marriage to Rema Headrick on October 14, 1952, at the St Paul Lutheran Church in Wartburg Tenn. To this union three sons were born. James 'David', Donald Ray and Gary Lynn.

Clayton and his family moved to Nebraska in the early 60's settling in Hendly, later moving to Maywood and finally to Gothenburg. He enjoyed woodworking and built many items for his family including china hutches, lawn ornaments, and desks for his sons and doll house and doll cribs for his granddaughters.

He is preceded in death by his parents Lewis and Edith and a brother Johnnie Kreis.

He is survived by his wife Rema of 56 years, sons Dave and Janice of Shelton, Don and Deb of Gothenburg and Gary and Bev of Grant. 8 grandchildren, Dan and wife Kara Kreis, Dana Kreis, Daphne and husband James Tidyman, Shawn and wife Irish Kreis, Stephanie Kreis, Devan and husband Thad Schomp, Kristina and husband Angel Casillia, and Dallas Kreis. 7 great grandchildren, Katie, Ty, Zachary, Connor, Keyenna, Andre and Ethan. His sister Juanita Smith and His brothers Arnold Kreis, M.C. Kreis, Evertt Kreis, and Bill Kreis, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, Nov. 12 from 1:00-8:00 pm with the family present from 6:00-8:00 at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am, Thursday, Nov. 13 at the American Lutheran Church in Gothenburg with Pastor Matthew Groenke Officiating.

Burial will be in the Gothenburg Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the American Lutheran Church, the Senior Center or the American Lung Association.