William Fredrick Krieger

Bill was born on July 8, 1950, to Robert and Winifred Krieger in Brooklyn, New York. He attended Purdue University where he met Paulette Sikes. They were married in 1971. Bill earned his PhD in Engineering Science and began working as a structural engineer for Gulf Oil, a company that later merged with Chevron. While working as an engineer, he and his family had the opportunity to live in Texas and California, as well as Scotland, England and Finland. In Finland, Bill was Chevron's hull manager for the Genesis project fabrication, which utilized a unique floating spar platform -- the world's first ever to accommodate both drilling and production facilities.

At the age of 51, Bill retired from engineering, and returned to graduate school, attending seminary at Church Divinity School of the Pacific in Berkeley, California. He was ordained as an Episcopal priest in 2004 and became associate rector of All Saints of the Desert in Sun City, Arizona. In 2008, Bill accepted the position of rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Yuma, Arizona. Bill felt a strong affinity with the Spanish-speaking members of his church. He worked to learn Spanish until he was able to deliver his sermons in Spanish, and he started the first Episcopal Spanish church services in Yuma. Bill was also very proud of his work with “The Healing Journey,” a non-profit group in Yuma assisting victim’s of child abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault.

Above all, Bill loved his family. He and Paulette were married 44 years and found great pleasure in each other's company. While they shared countless adventures and saw the world together, they most enjoyed the simple pleasure of each others' presence.

Bill was also extremely proud of his children. As someone who placed great value on education, he took personal satisfaction when each of his children earned advanced degrees. He was also proud of the outdoor adventures he shared with his children, including climbing Half Dome, completing the Viva Bike Vegas century bike ride, sailing, mountain biking in Moab, Utah, and above all, completing 350 miles of the Arizona Trail with his late son, Louis. Some of Bill's fondest memories were spent with Louis, miles away from established roads, exploring the beauty of the desert.

Bill was strong and fearless as he battled cancer. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Paulette; son, James; daughter, Shiloh; cousin, Mary Jane; son-in-law, Joseph; and two grandchildren, Sierra and Bryce William.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Arizona Trail Foundation, www.aztrail.org/memorial_donations.html.