Beloved Retired Long Lake Fire Chief Passed Away Tuesday

PONTOON BEACH – Long Lake Volunteer Fire Department Retired Fire Chief Danny Kreher passed on Tuesday at his home at the age of 68.

He was born February 16, 1954, in Granite City, a son of Glenda Corrine (Smith) Kreher of Pontoon Beach and the late Otto “Kotch” Kreher. He had retired in October 2018 as Fire Chief from U.S. Steel after 29 years of dedicated service. He began his career at National Steel in 1974 working as a foreman in the blast furnace. 

He also retired from the Long Lake Volunteer Fire Department after 47 years of dedicated and faithful service to his community, serving 30 years as Fire Chief.

Kreher had spent his youth as an Eagle Scout with Troop 46, enjoyed his days of hunting and cherished his grandchildren. Danny devoted his life to the Fire Department and his community and will be remembered for the love and special times shared with his family and friends.

In celebration of his life, visitation will be at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road in Granite City on Sunday, June 26, 2022, from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. A First Responder walk-through will be held at 7:00 p.m.

Any Fire Departments wanting to be apart and put a truck in the procession, please contact Assistant Chief Jason Leonard at (618) 334-6043.

Funeral services will be held at Irwin Chapel on Monday, June 27, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. with Reverend Jeff Chamberlain officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Hill Memorial Estates in Glen Carbon.

Memorials may be made to the Long Lake Volunteer Fire Department and may be accepted at the funeral home.