John Thomas Krieger

John Thomas Krieger, 82, of St. Charles, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly on July 27, 2025.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, on December 21, 1942, John was the son of Thomas Krieger and Catherine (Zyanc) Krieger. After graduating from Normandy High School, he attended the University of Missouri-Columbia (Mizzou), earning a bachelor's degree in education and a master's in English. At Mizzou, specifically at the Normandy Residence Center, a precursor to the University of Missouri – St. Louis, John met Carol Ann Calamia. They married in 1962 and together raised their son Christopher.

He is survived by his wife Carol; their son Chris (Carey); four grandchildren—Mia, Charlie, Eliza, and Henry; brother-in-law Charlie Taylor; and nephews Patrick Taylor and John Helfrick. Immediately following his death, John’s sister, Jane (Charlie) Taylor, passed away on August 9, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Thomas (Veta) Krieger, and sister Patricia (Chuck) Helfrick.

John spent 32 years as an English teacher in the Ritenour and Ferguson-Florissant school districts. After retiring, he served as part of the personnel support team for the Internal Revenue Service.

John will be remembered for his affable nature, unending patience, hearty laugh, and unwavering kindness, as well as his deep devotion to his wife, son, grandchildren, extended family, and friends. He led by example with his glass-half-full mindset and a quiet belief that there was a solution for every problem.

John and Carol were wholeheartedly dedicated to their grandchildren, caring for all four during their early years, which forged indelible memories and reflected a lifelong commitment to education and family. He relished holiday traditions, Sunday family lunches, finding good bargains, and playing spirited board games with his family and friends. Among his grandchildren’s favorite memories were learning poker from their grandfather and the many lively poker games that followed. An avid reader, he loved his Sunday newspaper and enjoyed re-reading many classics, such as The Lord of the Rings and nearly everything by Stephen King.

Ever the diplomat, John brought a warm, generous presence and a thoughtful listening ear to everyone he met. He had a signature party style: the first to arrive and the first to leave, quietly sidestepping the drawn-out Midwest goodbye with admirable efficiency. A natural tinkerer and builder, he fashioned gadgets and problem-solving tools for any situation. He went so far as to build a slot car racing track in his basement to the delight of many, including himself.

John was intelligent and selfless, embodied a unique blend of playfulness and wisdom, and brought laughter to Carol every single day. He found joy in the occasional escape to local casinos and to Las Vegas with his son Chris, where the gaming floor offered the perfect mix of strategy, luck, and perhaps just one chance at beating the odds.

John was a warmhearted soul and a peacemaker who loved deeply and was deeply loved in return. He will be missed more than words can say.

As a frequent blood donor to the American Red Cross, his universal blood type helped save the lives of countless infants. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Red Cross Blood Services. A link will be posted on this site.