Pictures of my mom with my kids

JJ, Lewis, and family,

I was so sorry to hear about your mom.  She has been so courageous over these past few years and has been a great inspiration.  I have very fond memories of spending time with your parents and feel fortunate to have been able to know your mom even as briefly as I did.  In reading Lewis' talk, and especially his description of the time that Fikre spent the weekend with your family, I couldn't help but think how this encapsulates your parents so perfectly for me.  Your mom was always so friendly and kind to everyone she met.  She was truly an example of a Christ-like individual who lifted others throughout her life.

It may not mean much, but when my dad died, the best advice that anyone gave me was that these things have a way of working themselves out.  It will take time, and you will always miss your mom, but things will work out.  You can always be comforted by the knowledge that you will be together again. 

Know that our prayers are with you and your family during this time.  May Heavenly Father bless you all.

All our love,
Scott and Angela

Hi,

 

I wanted to pass along this photo of Deanne and two of her girls. What a beauty she was and look how much they loved their mom! 

 

I took this when I was visiting some time in the mid 80's I believe, when they were living in Washington DC.  I had such a great time.  Deanne and the girls took me sightseeing during the day all around DC and then Kurt and Deanne took me into Georgetown for dinner at an Indian resturaunt. It was the first and last time I had curry!  YUCK

 

I so enjoyed Deanne and was honored to call her my friend. 

 

Suzanne

I will always remember Deanne fondly.

Darrick Olsen and I were talking on Sunday about how much fun we had working with her on Pioneer Trek, Youth conferences, News Years Eve Dances, firesides and other youth activities.  We both agreed we had way to much fun.

Pres Evans walked up at that time and agreed with us that she was a great lady.

Darrick pointed out that if we went along with her ideas the activities were always successful.

 

I remember how hard she worked to make sure the Pioneer Trek of  1999 was a good experience for everyone.  She had had a really bad experience on the previous pioneer trek.  We sat in Pres. Romney's office for four hours assigning kids to Ma's and Pa's, and she would not let us move forward until every kid was assigned to the correct family.

 

We laughed every time we talked about the indian raid that we scheduled for the middle of the first night on that trek.  (Ask Kurt about this)

 

I helped here with 4 or 5 girls camps and she was quick to laugh at a joke and made everyone feel comfortable.

 

Working with her never felt like work it was always fun.  Thinking about her makes me smile because she was such a joy to be around.

 

I will always cherish the memories I have of her.

 

John E. B

I want Deanne's children and grand-children to know how important it was to her to teach her family the Gospel. When the kids were little Deanne and I became members of an FHE group.  Each month we designed a family home evening lesson and made one for every member of the group. At the end of the month we would receive a lesson made from all the other members on various subjects.  I remember one month in particular when Deanne and I decided to do a rather large laminated booklet on Easter.  We included copies of the Biblical events leading up to and following the Resurrection and bound them together with Rings.  We bit off a little more than we realized.  We were at Bi World (Woodland) for many hours laminating and colating our project. We still have ours today.

I also remember fondly when Adam and Jenna and J.J and Jordan were little and Deanne was always up for doing something fun and challenging.  She invited me to go with her and Jenny Slater to attend an aerobics class.  At the time the only transportation we had was an old gold cadillac (yes we had a gold cadillac boat) that kept leaking power-steering fluid.  Often the car would become so hard for me to steer that Deanne had to help me.  But we were unstoppable.  We continued to herd all the kids into the car to attend our class.  Without Deanne, I know I would have given up. She was a force of nature!

Love,

Bianca

Dear Deanne,
I feel the need to share with you the part you've played in my life, up until now.
I remember when I first met you and we were supporting our boys in their soccer adventure, with the Park City Extreme Team.
We would sit on the hill and watch our boys, while sharing lots of stories with one another, and others who would join us!
I remember all the comfort you gave me in listening as I went through my divorce,
and you shared words of wisdom and comfort, always with your beautiful smile!
But, most of all, I remember the feeling I felt when I was in your presence.
Remember, when I ran into you at Walmart?  I don't remember what was said, I just remember I felt I had been embraced by
an Angel of a friend!!  I've kept track of you through stories about your journey in Africa!
I have pictures on my fridge of you and your family!  I've enjoyed emails that have been shared openly, with permission, regarding
your experiences in far off places (smile) and your health.
I want you to know I LOVE YOU!  You have impacted so many lives, mine being one of them!
Deanne, You will always be apart of who I am today, by your tender expression of love!!
Sealed with a HUG!
Always,
Sheila P-A
11-7-09

December 1, 2010
The day of Deanne's service it was quite stormy, so my friend Mona, through much of a process, chose not to journey to Draper, but to find our place of closeness with Deanne on PC Mountain, where we had spent many of times watching Corey & Kip and Robby & Kip play soccer together.  So at 10 a.m. we put on our warmest coats, mittens, snowshoes, and more, taking the dogs, Betsy and Rosie with us, and headed out to hike
up PC Mountain, sharing our personal memories and love for Deanne!!  When we arrived to a certain point, we looked out over the mountain
and yelled at the top of our lungs to the heavens "WE LOVE YOU DEANNE!"  With freezing conditions, we were warmed by the love we feel for her and
felt in return!!
Thanks for sharing Deanne with US!
Sincerely, with love,
Sheila P-A and Robby

My heart goes out to all of her dear family and friends, especially her children and sweet husband!!  We send our love to you all and
will continue to hold Deanne and you all in our thoughts and prayers!!

We the entire Konduah family of Ghana send our condolence.  Deanne was a great mother and grandma.  She was an always-smiling friend.  We wandered if she could ever be upset.  With a broad smile on her face she approved of naming our son with her husband’s name, KURT KRIEGER OWUREKU KONDUAH. 

Owureku has now grown to resemble the GrandPa Krieger.  See Kurt standing by the left side of the table.  Compare his facial with GrandPa Kurt in the second photo.  The 3^rd photo, is the Konduah family and the baby Kurt Krieger to the joy of Deanne, the grandson the Lord gave her in Accra, Ghana and Africa.  Kurt with Mum.  Kurt with Mum and Dad.

In our Family Home Evening on Monday, the Konduah seized the opportunity to mourn Deanne Michelle Lisonbee Krieger.  Owureku says, GrandMa, Da Yie, Da Yie, Da Yie.  Deanne, you still mean a lot to us.  May the Good Lord grant you a comfortable place in his bosom. Oh GrandMa, Oh GrandMa, Oh GrandMa, we miss you.  Da Yie, Da Yie, Da Yie.

Thanks

Nicholas for the Konduah Family

The first time I met Deanne was when I was invited to go to her home in Ghana and check out a mini “bazaar” where Bernice was selling her bags and other products. I was so impressed –with the beautiful handiwork, but also with the fact that Deanne would just open up her home for this.  Then Bernice (a lovely lady herself) came out and I learned Deanne let her work there in the Krieger’s home to do all her sewing.  I knew right then Deanne was just an awesome human being.  I hoped I’d get to know her better, and, to my great blessing, I did.

One vivid memory is of her birthday party.  Some of the women had ordered a very large cake from the bakery for the occasion.  I forget now what the message was they had asked to be put onto the cake.  I just remember that they wanted something special for her birthday, and had explained how blessed she had been to still be there to celebrate that birthday.  When they opened the box, the cake proudly proclaimed “Thank God You’re Alive!”  Everyone got a good laugh, and Deanne laughed the loudest, that wonderful laugh that I will always remember.

In trips for beads, fabrics, and to see some fascinating places, I always loved to be where Deanne was. She had the most remarkable eyes, which always radiated a joy in life and a love for those around her.  I don’t believe I’ve ever seen eyes more beautiful than Deanne’s.  She was unfailingly kind, uncritical, concerned about others, and radiated a warmth in which one wanted to bask. 

When we returned to Utah, we moved from Salt Lake to Draper and I was delighted to find she lived just a short distance away.  Each Monday morning a group of sisters who had served in Ghana together continued the practice of meeting to study the Book of Mormon together.  When her health made this more difficult for her, we met in my home, and now are meeting in the home of another dear sister who is battling a disease which has left her wheel-chair bound, and unable to  get up my stairs.  Deanne has attended faithfully until just the past weeks when she was too ill.  I loved to hear her observations, as she never said anything unless she thought about it and knew it had real application.  When Deanne spoke, you knew it was important to listen.

I will miss her greatly.  My love for her grew constantly.  I am so grateful for my testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the knowledge that she still lives, and loves, and cares for her family.  I am grateful she no longer has to suffer the terrible pain she has endured.  I am grateful to know that we, because of the atonement of Jesus Christ, will live again in the flesh, and be able to continue our friendship eternally.  As I think of the message of the birthday cake, I feel to exclaim “Thank God She is Alive.” 

Leslie R.

Dear Krieger Family –

We were saddened to hear that Deanne had to say her goodbyes.  Somehow it had seemed to us that Deanne had grown impervious to the missiles of destruction.  But, of course, we are all mortal. 

We regret that we were not able to come up from Saint George in time for the funeral because of the bad weather near Cedar City and Beaver. 

As you say, you have great hope for the future for each of us if we will stay faithful to what we know is right. 

We enjoyed the brief time that we knew Deanne.  She always had a quiet, relaxed smile, no matter the pressures.  We remember the time in early 2007 when you hosted us at your home in Accra.  Deanne was so helpful, especially showing Kathy some of the fun and interesting places in Accra, like the fabric dying shop.  And the journey to the Market opened our eyes to rural Ghana.  The boat trip along the Volta was relaxing and scenic. 

We wish you the very best as you learn to adjust for a season with a big hole in your hearts.  We’re sure that Deanne would want you to continue finding joy in your lives. 

All the best. 

 Dave and Kathy W.

Dear Krieger Famiy,
I haven't been able to stop thinking about Deanne.  I had to write and
let you know how much she meant to me and how much I already miss her.
 I was so sad to miss her funeral (both Jon and Leo were sick) I was
so looking forward to hearing all of the memories and stories of
Deanne.  But really, for me, I knew all that I needed to know about
her.  I knew she loved me. She rejoiced like she was my own mother
when I told her I was pregnant with Leo.   I knew she was always
hopeful even in her times of greatest trial. I knew how much she loved
her children and grandchildren.  She would light up with her amazing
smile every time she spoke of one of you or one of your kids. I knew
that she was one of the most selfless, giving people I've ever known.
I would watch her expression on a Sunday night when we were sitting
around her table making African beaded necklaces and she looked like
she was experiencing true joy and contentment at that moment.
 I believe with all my heart my mom was one of the first to welcome
Deanne and rejoice with her. They both endured similar circumstances
and I'm sure have so much to share with each other. They where there
for each other here on earth and will now continue to be there for
each other. When my Mom passed away I was pregnant with my first
child.  I didn't think I could go a day without her. I didn't want to
be a mom without my mom.  I didn't want my children to grow up without
her influence in their lives.  And as hard as it still is, I can say
that most of the days I still feel like she never left.  I feel her so
close to me, so close to my children it's almost as if I looked out my
window I would see her standing across the street smiling and waving
at me, not missing a moment.
Deanne is part of all of us.  She is a part of me, of who I am.
Knowing her was a gift.  So many things remind me of her.  I put on my
African apron to cook and I smile and think of her. I pull my
scriptures out on Sunday from the African case and smile and think of
her.  I think about how many people she has helped both here and in
Africa. She has influenced so many lives.  I am one of those lives.
Thank you for sharing her with us.  Thank you for letting us always
crash the Lisonbee family parties and for loving us anyway.
I know the next step is so hard.  Moving forward without her. But her
love and strength never leaves.  It will be what helps you put one
foot in front of the other.  You will feel her strength driving you
forward.  You will know she is there.
I love you all so much.  I love Deanne so much.   Tanya

Dear Kurt
I am on the phone with Lynette right now—we are so sorry---this morning
in my prayers I pleaded that the Lord’s spirit would comfort your family
at this time---I know that will be the case. My favorite scripture in the Bible
are the words the resurrected Savior spoke to Mary at the garden
tomb—”Why weepest thou?” There was no need for tears for he
had conquered death. Even though it is hard to fathom I know, you know, that
Deanne is in a good and even better place now,--totally free from the pain she
has so long endured—and that with the resurrection all tears shall be
turned to smiles. I think the most profound thing Joseph Smith ever said was at
the passing of a friend. He spoke:  “All your losses shall be made
up in the resurrection...by the vision of the Almighty I have seen it.”
Thanks to our savior there is nothing that shall not be made whole. Please let
you family know that your loss of such an incredible wife and loving mother and
friend will be healed in time. Just know we sorrow with you and your family for
Deanne’s passing today—Lynette and I are and will be forever
grateful to have had such a beautiful and caring friend like Deanne in our
life. We have been lifted and made better by her. We will truly miss
her—she will always remain close to our hearts. I pray all of God’s
blessings be with you, each of your children and grandchildren at this time---
and know that in the fiery furnace of the moment, the veil is thin, Deanne is
still close by and the angels of heaven surround you and will never forsake you
but bear you up and through the days ahead. God bless you, Bob and Lynette