News Summary
The Beaufort community is in mourning following the peaceful passing of local veteran Bob Kreul at the age of 85. His life was characterized by dedication to family, service, and his community. Kreul served in the U.S. Army and was involved in various passions, including classic cars and spending time outdoors with his family. His legacy will be cherished by his loved ones and the community he enriched with his spirit and commitment.
Beaufort, South Carolina Grieves the Loss of Local Veteran Bob Kreul
Local resident Robert Leo Kreul, affectionately known as Bob, passed away peacefully at his home in Beaufort on May 4, 2025, at the age of 85. His passing marks the end of a life dedicated to family, service, and community.
Early Life and Education
Bob Kreul was born on December 26, 1939, in Racine, Wisconsin. He attended St. Rose Grade School before graduating from St. Catherine’s High School. After completing his education, Kreul joined the U.S. Army, where he served at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Following his active duty, he dedicated an additional four years to the U.S. Army Reserves.
Career and Family
After his military service, Bob pursued a career in manufacturing technology and earned an associate’s degree from Racine Vocational School, now known as Gateway Technical College. In 1961, he married his first wife, Karen Sorenson, in Racine, and together they raised four daughters: Sarah, Susan, Pamela, and Anne. The family later relocated to Spencer, Iowa, where Karen continues to reside.
In 1981, Bob made a significant change in his life by moving to Beaufort, South Carolina. There, he met Sharon Johnson, whom he married in 1984. The couple enjoyed a harmonious life together in Beaufort until Bob’s recent passing.
Passions and Hobbies
Throughout his life, Bob Kreul was known for his immense passion for hot rods and classic cars. He cherished the time spent outdoors with his daughters, particularly during family camping and fishing trips. Additionally, he had a soft spot for animals, especially his beloved K9 companion, Gunner. Bob’s dedication to family and work was unwavering, reflecting his tireless work ethic both in his career and at home.
In quieter moments, Bob found solace in enjoying a pipe of tobacco, surrounded by his family and reflecting on his life’s journey. He is remembered fondly for his loving nature and drive to provide for those he cared about.
Legacy and Survivors
Bob Kreul is preceded in death by his father, Alvin; his mother, Lilly; his sister, Ellen; and his brothers, James and Thomas. He is survived by his loving wife Sharon, his former wife Karen, and their daughters: Sarah residing in Spencer, Iowa; Susan in Statesville, North Carolina; Pamela in Bozeman, Montana; and Anne back in Spencer, Iowa. Also mourning his loss are his sister Mary Kreul-Starr from Raleigh, North Carolina, his brother Edward from Leland, North Carolina, and stepdaughter Tiffany Levitt from Beaufort, South Carolina.
Conclusion
The community of Beaufort reflects on the life and contributions of Bob Kreul, celebrating a man whose legacy will endure in the hearts of his family and friends. His commitment to service, family values, and enthusiastic spirit will remain a lasting memory for all who knew him.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Your Island News: Robert Leo Kreul
- Wikipedia: Veteran
- Your Island News: Independence Day
- Google Search: Independence Day
- Your Island News: Veteran of the Week – Gionna Gentry
- Google Scholar: Veterans in Community
- Your Island News: Community
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
