Don Krening

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Don Krening who was indeed a born leader. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Don was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Don knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

Don was born on May 16, 1936 at Fort Morgan Hospital in Fort Morgan, Colorado. His parents were William Krening Sr., Hannah Krening. Don was raised in Fort Morgan, Colorado. Even as a youngster, Don learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

As a young boy, Don was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. Don was raised with three siblings. He had older brothers Bill and Leonard and older sister Donna. Don had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Don, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

Don's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Don enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Don took part in track and baseball. In his spare time he liked to farm.

In school, Don was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. He sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of his classes. He would eagerly complete his homework, and often put in extra study time when he felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Don was always good at following directions and meeting his schedules, whether they were set by his teachers or were self-imposed. Don’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” He graduated from Fort Morgan High School in 1956. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was music. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was Mr. Rockefeller. He was also Senior Class President, a member of M Club and the Morgan High Singers.

Don was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Don was a member of a group, his interaction worked to keep the others grounded. He wasn’t afraid to confront his friends and, when necessary, he challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Don came to expect his high standards of performance. While growing up, some of his best friends were Hugh Lenhardt, Don Frick, and Bill Betzold. Later in life, he continued to become closer with Hugh Lenhardt.

Don was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Don would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Don was blessed with two children, son, David Krening and daughter, Kris Krening. They were also blessed with five grandchildren, Clifford, Taylor, Erin, Jake, and Connor.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Don was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Don was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Don upheld his standards. His primary occupation was being a spreader truck driver. He was employed for 41 years. Don was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

Don approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were Hunting, Fishing, Carving, and Restoration of old Vehicles, Wood working, Metal working, Music, and the electric guitar. Don was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Don to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. In high school, Don played Track and Baseball. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity.

Being generous with his time and energy, Don liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. He was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. His desire to uphold traditions and his ability to take charge of any type of project made him a tremendous asset. In high school, Don was a member of the M Club. Throughout his later years, Don was an active member of the Teamster Union, Moose Club.

Faith was important to Don. He held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay he saw around him. For that reason he held deep spiritual beliefs that he was willing to share. He was a member of the Lutheran Church.

As someone who placed a high value on showing gratitude, Don could graciously accept a “thank you” extended to him by those he helped. However, individual recognition wasn’t a motivating force for Don; rather, when he saw that there was a need to get something done, he was more than willing to give his time and energy in order to see it accomplished. Some of his most prestigious awards included, year after year always receiving Safe Driving Awards.

When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Don used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that he made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Don had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included Lobos, Mexico and Montana.

Don was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. Don’s favorite pets were Tobi and Angie.

When Don’s retirement finally arrived in 1997, he was well prepared. He used his critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. His new life involved relocating to Salome, Arizona. In retirement, he found new pleasure in Hunting, Fishing, Wood Working, Metal Working, Car and Boat Restoration. In many ways, Don loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

Don passed away on May 19, 2010 at Salome, Arizona. He fought hard while diagnosed with cardiovascular disease. He is survived by his children, Kris and David; Grandchildren, Clifford, Taylor, Erin, Jake and Connor.

All who knew him would agree that Don was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Don Krening did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched were given the chance to become a better person.