Book of Memories for Robert K. Krebs

Condolence From Hall's of Boothbay

Mon, 17 Jul 2017 08:47:50 EDT

On the first anniversary of Robert's passing, we want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We hope that the memories of the past give you encouragement for the future as you walk each day with your loved one in your heart. It is our privilege and honor to serve your family. Hall Funeral Home

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Mon, 19 Sep 2016 17:12:40 EDT

Eric Lewis and Herr Krebs headed to Germany with his classmates.

Memorial Candle lit by The Lewis Family from Smithtown H.S. West

Mon, 19 Sep 2016 17:04:12 EDT

The Lewis Family from Smithtown H.S. West

Memorial Candle lit by Klaus Mai, Germany

Thu, 25 Aug 2016 08:06:23 EDT

Klaus Mai, Germany

Condolence From Sara Näslund Andréasson

Sun, 21 Aug 2016 16:59:55 EDT

Dear Herr Krebs, It is so sad to know that this will be my last greeting to you. The world has lost one of it's kindest and warmest souls. I came to Smithtown in 1988 to attend a senior year at Smithtown HS West, as an exchange student from Sweden. Having studied German for four years at home, it was natural to sign up for German class also at Smithtown West. With Herr Krebs as my teacher, his class came to be the highligt of my time in school. I remember the feeling of having an ally in Herr Krebs. He knew where I came from, which made me feel safe. Because, not only was he an excellent teacher, he was also a person who really cared for his students. I think he felt a connection with me as well, because I knew where he came from; Europe, and his beloved Germany, which we talked about many times. A few Summers later, Herr Krebs was in Germany on holiday and he took the time to fly to Sweden to visit me and my family for a couple of days. I will never forget that. Since then we have written eachother every Christmas for 26 years, and I have cherished every single letter. In his last letter I learned how ill he actually was. He suffered, and despite the terrible loss of a good friend, I am relieved he doesn't have to suffer anymore. Nothing is worse. I am sending my deepest condolences and warmest thoughts to his family, which I know was his first and foremost priority in life. You are one of the most respectable persons I have ever known, Herr Krebs, and you will always have a special place in my heart. Auf Wiedersehen, Sara Näslund Andréasson, Uppsala, Sweden Smithtown HS West, Class of '89

Condolence From Linda

Wed, 17 Aug 2016 17:50:33 EDT

Sure do miss your smile and visits.

Condolence From Melissa

Mon, 15 Aug 2016 08:55:24 EDT

I worked at New England Cancer Specialist, where Mr. Krebs was a patient. He, by far, was my favorite patient. What a sweet gentle soul. Even when he was feeling so poorly, he always had a kind word and a lovely smile he would share with me. We have truly lost a wonderful man. Rest in Peace Mr. Krebs. Melissa

Photo shared: Herr Krebs cooking at Sunken Meaddow picnic 1972.jpg

Thu, 11 Aug 2016 11:11:09 EDT

Herr Krebs cooking at Sunken Meadow State Park with German Club 1972

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Thu, 11 Aug 2016 11:11:09 EDT

Close up of young Herr Krebs, cooking at German Club picnic, 1972

Photo shared: Herr Krebs playing soccer Sunken Meadow park 1972.jpg

Thu, 11 Aug 2016 11:11:09 EDT

Herr Krebs playing soccer, 1972, Sunken Meadow picnic

Photo shared: Herr Krebs and myself at German Club picnic, Sunken Meadow 1972.jpg

Thu, 11 Aug 2016 11:11:08 EDT

Herr Krebs cooking at Sunken Meadow State Park with German Club 1972

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Thu, 11 Aug 2016 11:01:03 EDT

Photo shared: Herr Krebs and myself at German Club picnic, Sunken Meadow 1972.jpg

Thu, 11 Aug 2016 11:01:02 EDT

Memorial Candle lit by Shelley Smith

Thu, 11 Aug 2016 07:31:18 EDT

Shelley Smith

Condolence From Jennifer Herber

Fri, 05 Aug 2016 13:15:57 EDT

I was so disappointed to hear about the passing of our dear German teacher, Herr Krebs. He did so much to share the joys of German language and culture with his students - whether showing us German art, teaching us German songs or rehearsing traditional German dances. He truly made it fun! And, what an extravaganza he put on with that German dinner dance every year! How lucky we were to have that experience. When budget cuts came along, he had to fight hard to keep German as an elective in schools. Thankfully, he did! Finally, he worked so hard to repair German-American relations after the damage from the World Wars. He constantly reminded us of the positive contributions from German citizens. He made me proud of my German heritage. Thank you, Herr Krebs. You were a rare gem. You will be greatly missed. Jennifer Herber Smithtown High School West '89 Former President of the German Honor Society '89

Condolence From Susan Balk Worley

Wed, 03 Aug 2016 18:42:39 EDT

Our heartfelt condolences to the family of Herr Krebs. My sister Eleanor and I were both students of Herr Krebs at Accompsett Junior High School and Smithtown High School West. "Der Herr" was the kindest and most devoted teacher. He was such a positive influence on so many young people. A class act that will be missed by many. He taught us how to waltz for the German Honor Society banquets! Rest in peace, our dear friend. Susan Balk Worley - Class of '82 Eleanor Balk Morales - Class of '77

Memorial Candle lit by Susan Balk Worley and Eleanor Balk Morales

Wed, 03 Aug 2016 18:32:10 EDT

Susan Balk Worley and Eleanor Balk Morales

Condolence From Mary Margaret Elmayan

Tue, 02 Aug 2016 17:09:24 EDT

I cried when I learned today of Herr Krebs' death. I was one of his very first students. I was blessed to be in German 1 as Herr Krebs began his student teaching! Even at the very beginning, he was the consummate professional: organized, prepared, hard-working, dedicated, enthusiastic, and passionate about all things German! He conveyed that he cared deeply about his family, his teaching, and his students. He set high yet achievable expectations for all his students. After two years of German with Herr Krebs, I was placed in a German class my freshman year at Duke University with graduate students, not knowing a word of German before encountering Herr Krebs. As others have mentioned, I too find myself singing songs learned in class (e.g.: Muss ich denn!) I have continued to practice and study German while visiting my relatives in Muenchen, Wien, and Bratislava, participating in German MeetUp groups, and very recently, studying intensive German immersion for 2 summers in Wien, while working on my late life PhD studies. I am a member of the Raleigh Little German Dancers, where we perform German folk dances. A touch of his passion for all things German/Austrian lives on in me. Although I have had other good teachers over the years, Robert is still THE very best teacher I have ever had! To his grieving family, I extend my both my heartfelt condolences and gratitude,for your having a hand in shaping a man who touched so many lives, so positively, over the years. I only wish there could have been far more years with him in this world. The world needs far more individuals like Robert. I am truly a better person for having known Robert Krebs. I will miss his cherished letters written on beautiful cards, saved, cherished and re-read. A piece of Robert lives on in me, as Herr Krebs helped and inspired me to be a better person, a better scholar, and a better teacher. Meine aufrichtige Abteilnahme zum Tode. Mary Margaret Samson, PhD Smithtown HS Class of 1972

Condolence From Clare Peterman Blythe

Tue, 02 Aug 2016 13:27:52 EDT

Herr Krebs, My favorite teacher of all time. Class of 1978. He managed to bring together a group of students who otherwise may never have talked to each other. He was so very special and made us feel that way. He made us laugh and laugh. He made us proud of our German roots and made learning the language fun. He threw us parties at Sunkem Meadow and I think of him everytime I go there. We teased him about his Peruvian shoes and he took it all so well. Herr Krebs, you are not and will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace.

Story shared: Friendship

Tue, 02 Aug 2016 10:46:26 EDT

Sunday mornings are lonely now. Every week Bob and I spoke on the phone until he couldn't articulate any more, so I just told him what was going on with our colleagues and tried to give him a chuckle or two. He was a dear and faithful friend who loved chocolate and baked goodies as much as I do. I will continue to think of him every time I enjoy a piece of chocolate or a lebkuchen. He will always be with me through all the artwork he gave me over the years. I miss you Bob.

Condolence From Timothy Ferguson

Tue, 02 Aug 2016 09:58:06 EDT

Through his passion for teaching and his compassion for his students, Herr Krebs ("Herr") touched so many lives and this world is better because he was in it. To this day, at age 45, my wife will often hear me spontaneously quote German sayings, sing lines from German songs and talk about times in class and the German Honor Society. Herr's teachings had such an impact on me and all though it is late to say so....Danke schön, Herr. My condolences to you and your family for your loss. Tim Ferguson Class of 1989 Boca Raton, FL

Memorial Candle lit by Todd John Hart

Tue, 02 Aug 2016 08:23:39 EDT

Todd John Hart

Condolence From Amy Jaekle

Tue, 02 Aug 2016 08:08:37 EDT

I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Herr Krebs. He was a gifted teacher and a caring man who left a lifetime impression on any student who came through his classroom. My husband and I were both taught by him, and often speak about our fond memories of the GHS dinner dance which Herr Krebs founded. Our condolences to his family and loved ones. Amy and Ben Jaekle- Smihtown Class of 2002

Memorial Candle lit by Wendy Mathews-Sisley, Smtithtown West '89 & National German Honor Society member

Mon, 01 Aug 2016 23:27:16 EDT

Wendy Mathews-Sisley, Smtithtown West '89 & National German Honor Society member

Condolence From Cara Spencer-Weinstein

Mon, 01 Aug 2016 22:48:35 EDT

I'm so sad to hear of the loss of Herr Krebs. He formed was a hero to so many in the Smithtown School District. I have the best memories of dancing the quadrille and laughing In class. He inspired so many of us. I thank God for sharing him with us. Here Krebs- mein Held. Smithtown High School class of 1997

Story shared: Role model, teacher and friend

Mon, 01 Aug 2016 22:42:29 EDT

Herr was more than a teacher, he was a role model. He taught German which I took for all of high school even though I knew German, because being a part of the German Honor Society and the community he created was an experience I cannot describe--you felt like you were a part of something larger than yourself, and we were dedicated to the GHS and to Herr. I sang all the songs he taught us to my children, and I am sure I can still dance the quadrille. I found him years later thanks to the Internet and was so pleased to speak to him and tell him what an amazing teacher he was and the effect he had on so many people, and he generously shared his water colors with me--what a one of a kind man. Love you always Herr!

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Mon, 01 Aug 2016 22:35:01 EDT

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Mon, 01 Aug 2016 22:35:01 EDT

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Mon, 01 Aug 2016 22:35:01 EDT

Memorial Candle lit by Marisha German Honor Society Nerd

Mon, 01 Aug 2016 22:00:50 EDT

Marisha German Honor Society Nerd

Story shared: One In A Million

Mon, 01 Aug 2016 21:56:12 EDT

I first met Herr Krebs in one of his German classes at Smithtown High School West. I was elated the school had a German program and quickly came to realize it thrived under the direction of Robert Krebs. I had the pleasure of living in Bavaria as a child for 3 years and missed the culture as well as my friends. I was honored to be a member of Herr's German Honor Society for four years and participated in 4 of his unique dinner dances. I will never forget him teaching us to dance and in particular performing the Radetzky Marsch. It was a once in a lifetime experience for so many of us. Herr Krebs also allowed me to sing solos at these dinner dances. He had a way of making us feel special. He loved teaching and truly cared about each and every one of his students. Herr - Du, du liegst mir im Herzen. Du, du liegst mir im Sinn. Ich werde dich nie vergessen!

Memorial Candle lit by Kristen Wolfinger

Mon, 01 Aug 2016 21:39:07 EDT

Kristen Wolfinger

Memorial Candle lit by Pamela Frank Reinholz, Smithtown HS West Class of 1980

Mon, 01 Aug 2016 21:13:59 EDT

Pamela Frank Reinholz, Smithtown HS West Class of 1980

Condolence From Linda Pardo Lewis

Mon, 01 Aug 2016 20:39:36 EDT

To the family of Herr Krebs My sincere condolences to all of you My husband and I were in Herr's College German class our junior year @ Smithtown High School West. He was the kindest, most dedicated and memorable teacher at West. I remember he fought to get us inducted into the German Honor Society even though we had only taken 2 years of German. Learning the Waltz, getting all dressed up and having our parents in attendance at the dinner dance was such a special event. Even after graduation, we would meet up with Herr and go for a drink or a bite to eat.He was a mentor and a friend.. You always hope to have a teacher that makes an impact on your life and Herr Krebs was that for both of us! He will be greatly missed❤️ Linda and Jim Lewis. Smithtown HS West Class of 1981

Condolence From Lisa Lechleiter Beuttler

Mon, 01 Aug 2016 14:59:45 EDT

Liebe Familie Krebs, eine Stimme, die uns vertraut war, schweigt. Ein Mensch, der immer für uns Schüler da war, ist nicht mehr. Was bleibt, sind die vielen lieben Erinnerungen an Ihren Sohn und Bruder, für die wir dankbar sind und die uns niemand nehmen kann. Herzliches Beileid Lisa Lechleiter Beuttler Gültlingen Deutschland Smithtown H.S. West Class 1983

Condolence From Chuck DeLuca

Mon, 01 Aug 2016 13:44:51 EDT

Words cannot say what amazing man Herr Krebs was. I was a member of his first class when he started the German Hinor Society. He taught us all how to waltz and wear white tie and tails! He was the best teacher I had ever had turning my high school years at Smithtown West. Although u haven't seen him in many decades - I'll miss him forever.

Condolence From Dennis La Rock

Sat, 30 Jul 2016 07:07:50 EDT

Herr Krebs was a special influence in the lives of students at Smithtown West High School. He brought fun and hard work to all of us as students and allowed us to grow with him. His joy of teaching and being with us as students both in the classroom and as part of the German Honor Society showed his warmth and dedication. A very special man who helped us all grow as people.

Story shared: Great Person

Thu, 28 Jul 2016 13:15:15 EDT

I knew Robert because I took Communion to him. He was a kind, gentle, thoughtful, man with a deep belief in

God!! I would visit with he and his mother. I am so sorry for their loss!

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Thu, 28 Jul 2016 12:33:51 EDT

Condolence From Connie

Tue, 26 Jul 2016 17:23:34 EDT

A wonderful person has left this world. His commitment and dedication to his teaching of German was surpassed only by his commitment and dedication to his family. He was a gardener, a painter, a writer, a baker and a gourmet chef. His love of his family as a beloved son and brother, is a model for us all.Bob always put the needs of others before his own and always treated others as he would want to be treated.He defined the word "kindness" and was truly a Saint on earth. My life is better because I was blessed to have known such a great man. God may have Bob in His hands but many of us have him in our hearts. Rest in peace dear friend. I will never forget you.