Harry John Kries Jr

Pastor Harry Kries December 25, 1930 to March 11, 2021 Pastor Harry Kries passed peacefully into the loving arms of our Heavenly Father the morning of March 11, 2021 at the age of 90 in Kingman, AZ. He was a Christmas baby, born on December 25, 1930 in St. Louis, MO. He is survived by his bride of almost 68 years, Gerry, daughter and son-in-law, Terri and Don Lauterborn, 3 grandchildren: Mike (Carrie), Brad and Stephanie, 6 great-grandchildren: Dylan, Terra, Samantha, Haley, Sid and Bre, and 1 great-great-granddaughter, Lily. He was preceded in death by his daughter Sherry, who passed just a few months before him on December 29, 2020. Harry spent 6 years proudly serving in the U.S. Army, and after went on to become a machinist. He owned and operated his own die-cutting business in Corona for 18 years. His true calling came when he gave his life to Christ and began a long and wonderful career in ministry. He held pastoral positions at churches in Ontario, Santa Ana and Bellflower before settling in at First Baptist Church in Corona, where he served as Interim Pastor and Care Pastor for many years. Harry also served as Chaplain for the Corona Police Department and Corona Regional Hospital, where he was a cherished member of their staff and remembered for his silly sense of humor and the beautiful way he loved people. Harry presided over countless weddings, funerals and baby dedications. He was a friend to everyone and touched so many lives. Even with the move to AZ in their later years, Corona was where their hearts remained and they left behind many, many friends. They continued to keep in touch and many friends also made trips to visit them in their new home. When Harry wasn't working, you could find him on the golf course playing his favorite game. It was here that he enjoyed his time with friends, laughing, relaxing and sometimes counseling and offering advice. After leaving his position at First Baptist, his ministry didn't end. He continued to share God's love with everyone he met, from the staff at Cracker Barrel to the doctors and nurses at the hospital. His life was truly dedicated to loving others the way Christ loves us. His family was his most precious and priceless gift. He called Gerry his beautiful bride up until the very end and he adored his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchild. He loved nothing more than to spend time with them, on the phone or in person. The memorial service will take place at 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church of Corona. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the First Baptist Church of Corona's Fellowship Fund, which helps those in the community who are struggling and in need. Service Cemetery Riverside National Cemetery 22495 Van Buren Blvd Riverside, CA 92518 Thursday 4/1, 12:00 pm Memorial First Baptist Church Friday 3/26, 2:00 pm