Dale B. “Jake” Kreider, 98, formerly of Lititz, died on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, at Maple Farm Nursing Center in Akron, Lancaster County, where he had been a resident since July.
He was born to the late Ralph T. and Bertha E. (Boyer) Kreider in Myerstown, Lebanon County, in 1927. He was a graduate of Lebanon High School, Class of 1945, and from there, he entered naval service as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps.
Dale married Fern J. Weik in 1948. Together, they had two children: Gail Anne, wife of David L. Daullary, and David Dale Kreider, husband of Barbara A. Cox.
Fern died in 1979, and Dale married his current wife, Elizabeth M. (Buzzendore) Kreider. They celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary last week.
After his time as a Marine, Dale was employed in a variety of settings, mostly in U.S. government service. He retired from his position at New Cumberland Army Depot in 1982 after having served with the Railway Mail Service, the Department of the Air Force, and the Department of the Army.
Dale was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Lebanon. He was also a member of the Rescue Hose Company #4. He firmly held the opinion that yellow is the best color for a fire truck.
In addition to his wife and children, Dale is survived by his grandchildren and their families: grandson, David D. Daullary, husband of Pamela, and father of Jamie Jake; and granddaughters, Karli Joye Kreider, wife of David M. Zug, and mother of Emilia Lynn and Henry David, and Kaci Lorraine Kreider, wife of Michael W. Marschall, and mother of Rosalyn Ann and Theodore David. He was preceded by his grandson, Mark John Daullary.
Dale was the last living member of his immediate family. He is preceded by his brothers and sisters: George Spahn, Betty Lengle, Ralph I. Kreider, and Frances Bomberger.
He is also survived by his stepdaughter, Kathy Shelley, and her children and grandchildren: Jessica Loker (Mark), mother of Eliza, Evelyn, and Mason, Michael Shelley (Leah), father of Noa and Gabe, and Katie Armold (Derek), mother of Miles and Chloe.
A private graveside service at Mount Lebanon Cemetery, the city of Lebanon, will be held for the family.
