One week when I was visiting the Park City ward I witnesses one of the sweetest acts of charity that I have ever seen. Kent was a handicapped fellow who would come to Church every week and sit on the front row, right square in the middle of the row. Every week he would walk to the front of the chapel and sit in the same place. One week when there were more visitors than members the entire front row was filled by visitors who had no idea of Kent's routine well before the meeting started. Kent showed up as usual, walked to the front  as usual and saw that his "spot" was taken and worse there were no other seats on the front row. kent did not know what to do.  He began to pace, back and forth right in front of the stand. Everyone in the congregation saw him. The brother who was trying to conduct saw him. Everyone was uncomfortable and no one seemed to know what to do.  He just paced back and forth, back and forth and kind of groaned as he did it. Deanne stood up from somewhere in the back, walked to the front of the chapel, put an arm around Kent (who, by he way was probably about 50 years old) and quietly asked someone on the front row to go to another seat and then sat Kent reverently in his spot. What had been anxiety and concern was immediately replaced with warmth and calm  I will never forget it. It was one of the kindest, sweetest most tender acts of Christianity I have ever witnessed. She was a wonderful woman of enormous character and with enormous compassion.

Paul H.

Deanne served as the stake young women president in Park City immediately before I did. I will never forget how encouraging she was as I took over those responsibilities. I remember sitting in the high council room feeling very overwhelmed while she went through the handbook with me.  With her wide, warm smile she repeatedly assured me I would be "great." I knew that she was sincerely hoping for my success.  Eight months and one girls camp later, I saw her again.  She hurried over to me and in her happy and enthusiastic way said, "Congratulations! I heard camp was great!"  I was impressed that she was so quick to compliment and so generous with her praise.  I will always be grateful for her example of loving and cheering for each other.

Amy W

I had the good fortune to meet Deanne almost six years ago in Ghana.  My husband was there to help set up a Hearing Center at Korle Bu Hospital.  I came along without knowing what I would be doing and Deanne was one of those that helped me to find things to do.  She took me to bead markets, the batik fabric place, just to name a few.  I was also very impressed with what she did for others while I was there.  Watching her open up her home to ladies to sew bags, aprons, skirts, etc. was very impressive.  As we met for scripture study once a week, she had an insight and understanding of the scriptures that was also very impressive.   Yet, in all that she was willing to do for others, I still knew of her love for her family.  I have thought of her often and how much she did for others while in Ghana and wish that I could have done something for her. 
We send our sympathy to your family and treasure our memories of her.
Kim and Margene L

TRIBUTE TO DEANNE KREIGER FROM STAFF OF AFRICA WEST AREA OFFICE

A woman of pure substance is what comes to mind when we think of you Deanne. You were a
good wife to Kurt and a friend to many. Though we observed you from far most of the time, your
vibrant nature and love for life made your name a household one in the Africa West Area Office.

Your affable and good nature were only few of your enviable traits. Not too many of us knew of
your illness but one could never tell you had such a condition by just looking at you. You were
too happy being of service to others to earn any sympathy. Deanne, you were one strong woman
and we dare say, more popular than your dear husband whom we worked with.

Your Lifestyle depicted a woman of virtue who dwelt on the positive side of life. This made us
believe death was not meant for you anytime now or in the near future. How wrong we were
because you were only preparing yourself to meet our Father in Heaven to be restored your
strength and take up a higher responsibility in His Presence!!

It’s sad to know you will not enjoy the sun that shines on us each day and be amongst your
family and friends who mean so much to you. We are however comforted by the knowledge of
the plan of Happiness which gives us hope and renewed strength to overcome our grief and pain
at this time and strive to be a better people so we can see you and enjoy your beautiful smiles and
warm embrace again. You gave us enough smiles and happiness to last the wait.

We thank our Father in Heaven for the opportunity to have had you amongst us as a teacher
and example for us to emulate. You touched many hearts by your acts of kindness and we are
grateful.

Rest in Perfect Peace!

I am quite sure Deanne wouldn’t remember me, but I remember her. When I first had the pleasure of meeting Deanne I had been a missionary in Ghana for about a year. I was 30 pounds lighter than when I had come to Ghana a year earlier, my white shirts were now a not so pleasant grey, my face was most likely dripping with sweat and I was sporting the Obrunni buzz cut that most white missionaries ended up embracing after their first or second experience with a local barber or a companion cut. To put it frankly, I looked like a twenty year old boy that only a mother could love! Luckily for me and all who had the pleasure of ever meeting Deanne, she was a mother in every sense of the word and she constantly radiated love in her actions. It is hard to describe the feelings I felt when she shook my hand and introduced herself. For over a year I had been missing the eyes of my mother that poured out love unconditionally on you when you looked at them. In that moment, without knowing it, Deanne took the place of my mother and poured out her love on me through her eyes just as my mother would have it she were there. There are few things that comfort more than feeling that kind of love and I still remember it to this day. I am sure that during her time in Ghana, Mexico and everywhere else she ran into missionaries they felt a similar feeling. What a wonderful service! What a wonderful woman! Thank you for the help when I needed it most, Deanne. The world is a better place because of her.

Sincerely,

Stephen Y

Deanne Krieger

Friendships are true where neither distance nor time erases the love and memories and they maintain an immediate ability to reconnect wherever and whenever we meet.  I have known Deanne and Kurt since 1979, when Kurt and I started our first year of law school.  It was then that a small nucleus of friends began a true friendship that continues to this day. 

Since those first days in law school there have been many times when we have joined together as a group or individually to share experiences, to reminisce and to support and sustain one another.  It is a friendship that has endured time, tragedy, pain and challenges.  It has also been a friendship that has given comfort, laughter, shelter from the press of the world and companionship.

Groups like this endure because of a unique combination of personalities that blend in ways that create an environment that is sustaining.  Deanne brought so many wonderful qualities and experiences to our group.  Deanne was genuinely interested in everybody and when we all were together she brought out the best in each of us.  When a tragedy in my life left me alone, Deanne and Kurt both reached out and strengthened me and other family members through a very rough time. 

Deanne knew how to make the best of every circumstance.  When we were in Jamaica and John became the youngest member of the group, she made sure we all had fun at the house we rented setting up massages and a sing along that was truly “Jamaican Style.”  Through a mutual friend, L learned how much Deanne did to strengthen and help others when she was in Africa.  She had a great capacity to look beyond her own pain, sorrow and struggles and make all around her feel better.

Deanne also had a real sense of adventure.  When all of the guys, except me (I put a major drag on the game) needed their golf fix – I became the designated driver and watched how the women of the group made the best use of their free time.  Deanne was always ready to do anything: go deep sea fishing, snorkeling, horseback riding, cave exploring, waterfall climbing, baby turtle saving, rafting and even being an amazing player of charades.

Deanne had the art of giving perfected as much as anyone I know.  She loved to give to others.   When Julie entered my life, Deanne immediately connected with her and made sure she felt comfortable as a part of the group.  Whenever we were in Salt Lake, Deanne made time for us and even made a bracelet with her from beads she collected in Africa which will always be a treasure for Julie and a reminder of Deanne’s love and friendship.

While a distance has been forced upon me through the necessary transitions mortality placed on Deanne far too early; neither time nor distance will diminish the friend that she is to me and the wonderful lessons that she has taught me.  In my memories of her will be so many things for me to consider that will lift me closer to my Father in Heaven and will make me a better friend.  Deanne, you will be missed, but ever a friend – until we meet again.       

Having grown up in Park City, I developed a great love for soccer!  Deanne and her family were an important part in my life in that respect.  I remember how happy she always was at that time and I know ( although she is away from her family) she is still smiling.  I know that you will all see her again one day and that day will be marvelous!

A.J.

Deanne Krieger is a wonderful lady.  I say that in the present tense because I know that her Spirit lives on and will continue to comfort and bless you throughout your lives.  

Deanne had a way of making everyone around her feel special.  She took a genuine interest in other people and was always focused on whoever she was talking to, like he or she was the only person in the room.  Deanne had such a sweet and calming way about her.  I always admired how calm she seemed under any circumstance.  She was always happy, in spite of how ill she may have been feeling.  During one of the last conversations I had with Deanne, she was telling me that she talks to her grandkids every day, and her whole face lit up as she was describing some of the conversations she has had with various grandkids.  She was so proud of her children and grandchildren. 

I was lucky enough to know Deanne in the limited time that I was able to spend with her.  I regret that we never got to explore Florida together like we talked about doing.  I know how much she loved being near the water.  I am so happy for Deanne that she is no longer suffering in her earthly body.  I hope that one day a cure for cancer is found so that others will not have to endure what your family has been through.  Undoubtedly, it has made you all stronger and brought you even closer together.  May the tender mercies of our Heavenly Father bless your lives, and may you take comfort in knowing that you will be reunited again with each other in a place that knows no suffering or sadness.  I love you, Deanne.  Thank you for being you!

Sheralyn B.