Haden J. Kreis Jr.

Haden J. Kreis, Jr., age 86, entered his eternal rest on April 11, 2025. Haden is survived by twin daughters, Dana Tagalicod (Bill) and Denise Groseclose (Win); two grandchildren, Paul and Chloe Groseclose; his sister, Kathleen Browning (Charles); one niece, Lauren Marshall; three nephews, Lawrence Kreis (Donna), Charles Browning, and Steven Browning; and other extended family. Haden was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; his parents Haden and Frances Kreis; his sister, Mary Lou Maher (James); his brother, Lawrence Kreis (Rose); his niece, Sharon Hepner (Martin); and his stillborn son, Wade Daniel. Haden was born on September 10, 1938 in Baltimore, Maryland. As the eldest son, he was named after his father, but his older sister started calling him Buz and the nickname stuck. Buz’s strong work ethic began at an early age when he quit high school to help support his family after his father was forced into an early retirement. Buz served his country for 8 years as a member of the US Army Reserve and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. Later, Buz earned his GED, enjoyed a long career with the Baltimore Gas and Electric Company, and after retiring he worked part time for Jarvis Appliance. Buz’s gentle nature, neat appearance, and great sense of humor made him quite a catch, but the only woman who caught his eye was Barbara, the love of his life and bride for over 60 years. Buz fully embraced Barbara’s dream of living in the country and they built a home in Jarrettsville, Maryland. Buz made their house a home by finishing the basement, building a deck, and working side by side with Barbara to design and maintain her vast flower gardens, including a tranquil woodland garden that was a favorite place for the family to wander and play. Buz lit up a room with his wonderful sense of humor, jovial personality, and infectious laughter. Buz’s sense of humor was so well known that no one in the family believed him when he first told them about the surprise birth of their twin girls. Buz was a devoted father who loved his daughters with all of his heart. He demonstrated his love in various ways, including coaching Dana’s rec sports teams, attending all of Denise’s ballet performances, and beaming with pride whenever he talked about his girls. Buz’s goofy antics and joy of life made him a playful and fun grandfather to Paul and Chloe who completely adored their Pappy. Buz was an active member of Jarrettsville United Methodist Church, volunteering on numerous church committees and serving as one of the main church ushers. Buz was a strong advocate for those less fortunate as a member of the Jarrettsville Lions Club, where he was elected President in 1991. Buz was generous to a fault – he went out of his way to help everyone, including driving an elderly neighbor to visit his wife in a memory care unit every week. Perhaps the best example of Buz’s generous spirit is, after he had lost the ability to recognize himself in a mirror, he said to his reflection “Hi I’m Buz and I’ll do anything in the world for you.” In March of 2021, his Alzheimer’s Disease progressed to the point of needing full time care. Buz’s gentle nature and warm personality endeared him to the staff, making him one of the favorite residents in the Allegheny Memory Care Household at Passavant Retirement Community in Zelienople, PA. Special thanks to the staff for treating Buz like family. While Buz’s family and friends deeply mourn his loss, they are comforted that he is finally at home with his Lord, reunited with his wife, and experiencing eternal peace and joy in Heaven with his memory completely restored. The family will receive friends on Friday, April 18, 2025 from 10 A.M. through 12 P.M., immediately followed by a funeral service at Haight Funeral Home and Chapel, 6416 Sykesville Rd., Sykesville, MD 21784. A private interment for the family will be held at Lake View Memorial Park in Sykesville, MD. Expressions of sympathy can be shared with the family at www.haightfuneralhome.com, or www.boylanfuneralservices.com.

Haden J. Kreis Jr.

September 10, 1938 - April 11, 2025