Doris Arlene Kreeger, 81, of Lake Andes, died Sunday, October 4 at the Lake Andes Healthcare Center in Lake Andes. Memorial services were Saturday, October 10 at St. John Lutheran Church in Wagner. Peters Funeral Home of Wagner was in charge of arrangements.

Doris Arlene ( Leistra) Kreeger was born on August 29, 1945 to Augustus and Helen (Quinn) Leistra in Parkston. She was a twin and was the youngest of 15 siblings. Doris’s mother Helen married Lyle Shortreed in 1954 and the Leistra family welcomed him as a father figure for the rest of his life. Doris attended and graduated from Geddes High School in 1963, along with her twin brother Douglas.

After graduating from high school, she worked at the cafe in Geddes until she married Leonard Kreeger on August 5, 1967. They were married at the Methodist Church in Geddes. Once married, Leonard and Doris moved to the Kreeger family farm, north of Marty, where Leonard and Doris farmed, ranched, and raised their four children: Tamra, Chad, Heather, and Jeremy. In 1996, Doris decided it was time to work outside the home, and went to work at the Good Samaritan Center in Wagner, where she worked in the kitchen and laundry for many years.

In the early 2000’s, Doris and Leonard sold the farm to son Chad, to carry on the legacy and moved to the house they shared until the end of their lives.

Doris enjoyed sewing, quilting, and embroidery. She also enjoyed traveling to see family. Many trips were made to Rapid City, Texas, and quilt shops all over the Midwest. Doris loved playing cards and games, always finding time to sit around the table, and visiting over a card game. It never mattered what the game was, she was going to let the grandkids win. Doris spent many years sewing baby blankets and quilts to donate to various organizations in and around Wagner. She also loved collecting nativity scenes and Precious Moments figurines.

She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Wagner, where she taught catechism, Sunday school, Bible School, and served on the Ladies Aide for many years.

Doris is survived by her four children, 13 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren.

Her daughter, Tamra Burt of Sweetwater, TX and Tamra’s children: Allison, husband Jason, their two sons, Bryson and Carson. Austin, his wife Kaitlynn and their three girls, Kaizleigh, Kamrynn, and Kallynn. Ethan, his wife Crystal and their four kids, Gabbrie, Annalee, Izzy, and Julian.

Her son Chad, his wife Cathy of Lake Andes and their children: Caitlin, her husband Kip and their two girls Charley and Rylee. Miles, his wife Keva and their two children Sterling and Lindy and Emma.

Her daughter Heather and her husband Tim Holsey of Sweetwater, TX. Their children: Megan, Timothy, Leo, and Kyler. Tim and Heather’s grandchildren: Jaxon, Calista, Logan, and LJ.

Her son Jeremy of Wagner and his children Kendra, Cord, and Wade.

Of the 15 Leistra siblings, Doris is survived by three sisters: Dolly (Tom) Stogdill, Diane Steed, and DeEtta Blue.

She is also survived by her sister-in-law Janice Leistra; and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Leonard; parents Lyle and Helen Shortreed; in-laws Vernell and Martha Kreeger, son-in-law Clay Burt; five brothers; and six sisters.

Doris was a volunteer for many organizations and when she was not able to volunteer, she generously donated many blankets, quilts, and embroidered items. Doris spent the last few years bravely battling cancer. In lieu of flowers and memorials, donations can be made to the Wagner Pink Ladies and the Wagner Cancer Walk and Rummage Sale, to honor those who assisted in her fight, and help support those who are continuing the fight.