Richard Henry Krenkel

August 18, 1944 - May 21, 2025

Born in Weehewken, NJ, last resided in Camp Verde, AZ

Richard Henry Krenkel, 80, of Camp Verde AZ (formerly of Guilford, CT) passed away peacefully at home under Hospice care and the care of his loving wife of almost 25 years, Mary Jean.

Richard was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses May 29, 1977 and worshipped his God faithfully for the rest of his life.

Richard’s late parents were Karl and Anna Krenkel, both born in Germany. They immigrated to the USA and later became citizens. They married on November 8, 1928 in New Jersey.

Richard and his first wife of 29 years, Francis, had 3 daughters:  Jennifer Krenkel of Manchester, NH, Rachel (Brian Williams) of East Haven, CT, Sharon (Robert Moore) of East Haven, CT. Richard was known as “Poppie” by his 7 grandchildren: Savana, Logan, Arrison, Paige, Sky Lee, Lunessa and Arora. He also leaves behind 2 great grandsons, with another on the way in August 2025. Also, Mary Jean had numerous children, grandchildren and a great granddaughter.

Richard worked as a project engineer for Vonrole/Sola in New Haven CT and retired in 2005. He and Mary Jean subsequently moved to Arizona. He had an “engineer mind”, always tinkering and looking for solutions to fix problems large and small and make things work better.

Serving his “brothers and sisters” was his delight in the Verde Valley Congregation of Cottonwood, AZ. Richard wholeheartedly believed in a resurrection back to paradise on earth in the near future. He loved nature - the works of his Creator.  He expressed his desire to see all his family and friends again in this beautiful paradise to come. It is Jehovah’s promise in Revelation 21:3-5. He resurrected his son, Christ Jesus, to be the king of his Kingdom Government. 

Mary Jean’s last words to him were taken from 2 scriptures that meant a great deal to them both: “I have fought the fine fight, I have run the race to the finish, I have observed the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7) and “If we live, we live to Jehovah, and if we die, we die to Jehovah. So both if we live and if we die, we belong to Jehovah.” (Romans 14:8)  Richard knew Jehovah would “take him by his right hand” to lead him into this beautiful future.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard Henry Krenkel, please visit our floral store.