Christian B. Kreider, chief bookkeeper, accountant and corporation comptroller of the Sterling Wholesale Grocery Company, expired suddenly at 9:20 o'clock, Wednesday evening, at his home, 915 Walnut Street, as the result of a heart attack. He died on his 76th birthday anniversary.
His death was a severe shock to relatives as well as a host of friends throughout the city and county as he was widely known and intensely popular. He was preparing to attend the funeral of a brother-in-law, John D. Lux, 84, late of North Cornwall Township, when he was first stricken. He was at his regular post of duty at the Sterling headquarters on Wednesday morning, and appeared to be in his normal condition of health. He revived during the afternoon however, and high hopes for his recovery were entertained when about 9 o'clock in the evening, he was again stricken and declined rapidly thereafter to the end.
Mr. Kreider was a native of the county, being born December 31, 1871, the son of the late Henry S. and Fannie (Bachman) Kreider. After attending local schools and taking a course at the , Millersville State Teachers College where he graduated in 1895, he returned to his native heath and taught rural school about seven years in South Annville and North Cornwall Townships, at Waldeck and elsewhere.
Later he held a position for several years at the State Capitol, Harrisburg. He was also employed for a time in the office at the Bethlehem Steel Company, in this city. He operated for a short time a grocery store at Tenth and Walnut. Streets.
The major part ot his adult career was spent in the service of the Sterling Company by which he was engaged for 26 years. He was a director of the corporation for some years before he took over a position as an employe.
Mr. Kreider was a member of Tabor Reformed Church and served on the consistory for a long period of time. he served as superintendent of the Sunday School, and at the time of his death was superintendent of the Junior Sunday School Department. He also was affiliated with Washington Camp 254, Patriotic Order Sons of America, and Lebanon Lodge 121, Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Mr Kreider was held in high regard in all the circles in which he moved, and the grief of the family circle in his passing is shared by a host of friends.
In addition to his wife, Alice (Lux) Kreider, he leaves three brothers, Harry B. Kreider, Lebanon RFD 5; George Z. Kreider, Palmyra, and Edwin B. Kreider, South Annville.
The Kreiders had no children of their own, but adopted two daughters whom they raised in their home - a niece, Doris Lux, now the wife of Omar B Carr, and Dorothy Hull, now the wife of Edward B. Bowers, both of this city.
Lebanon Daily News - Thursday, January 1, 1948