Milton Gene Kreger

March 15, 1950 - May 3, 2023
Milton Gene Kreger

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Milton Gene Kreger, 73 of Leland NC passed away at home on May 3, 2003. Milt, as he was called by most, grew up in Liberty, PA. He helped on the family farm and during his high school years was on the wrestling team, member of the band and chorus. After graduation he enlisted in the Army. Milt served his country in the Vietnam War as a Huey rescue helicopter pilot (DUSTOFF) and was the co-pilot in the Final Flight of Curious Yellow in 1971. He excelled his military career to Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CWO4) as a pilot and instructor for Cobra helicopters until he retired in 2003. He completed his bachelor’s degree at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and continued his education in Business at the University of Tennessee. He worked for Lockheed Martin and retired from Y-12 in 2012. He spent time on the space shuttle programs and trained staff in nuclear safety.

Milt was a loving husband to Mary Jo Kreger for 49 years where they met in San Antonio, TX. They enjoyed gardening, yearly family vacations, watching their grandkids grow up, fine cuisine and their love for their many pets over the years.

Beyond these things Milt was present for every swim meet, soccer game, band event, gymnastics competition, ice skating shows, softball games, dance recitals and all the bumps and bruises that came along with them for his daughters. He also attended his grandchildren’s football, volleyball, track meets, art shows and helped mold them into the wonderful people they are today.

Predeceased by his mother and father, Berneda Kreger and Kenneth Kreger and brother Alvin Kreger. He is survived by his wife Mary Jo Kreger, his daughter Holly Carter (Jeff Stiffler), daughter Jenny (Mike) Santaloci, step-son Donald Burns, granddaughter’s Taylor (Rolando) Gomez, Caylen Folmar, grandson’s Ethan (Ashley) Carter, Landon Carter and four great-grandchildren Alina, Ryan, Jesse, Gabriel, his brother Terry (Myra) Kreger, sister Sonja (Robert) Hughes, sister-in-law Joann Kreger and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, TX to be announced later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Milt’s honor may be made to Hope for the Warrior’s.

Please share memories and condolences with Milt’s family by signing the Tribute wall below.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 525 Village Road Leland NC 28451 910-383-3511


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  • October 04, 2023
    CW4(R) Frank Kanauka says:
    Milt, you will be missed. Had a great time working with you in the 56th Field Artillery Brigade in the mid 70’s. You were always a true professional!

  • June 19, 2023
    CW4(r) Henry (Hank) Hunt says:
    Milt, you will be missed! I really enjoyed flying gunships with you in the Tennessee Air-Cavalry. You were one I truly looked up too as a fellow officer, gun pilot and friend. My last flight in my most beloved aircraft, the AH-1Cobra, was with you on a rainy, cold, night NVG cross country flight. On the way to home base, we were made to circle over the Knoxville Airport to let, Al Gore and Air Force Two, land so as not to delay the VP. You were a good mentor for us junior Warrant Officers. Thank you for the memories! GOD SPEED , my friend!! GARRYOWEN CW4 Dick Danger aka: Hank Hunt

  • June 06, 2023
    Mary Ann Ballin says:
    Milt and Mary Jo are such wonderful neighbors, my heart broke when I heard Milt had passed. I always enjoyed seeing him out in his garden and always got a kick out of him trying to control Emma when she saw her friend Delilah and would take off like a bolt of lightning - we shared many walks with the dogs and he was such a kind, polite, interesting guy. He will be missed by so many - he was so highly thought of - Mary Jo I hope God gives you the strength to deal with this soul crushing event - I know how much you loved Milt ... Prayers for the entire family

  • May 09, 2023
    John & Alice Lindley says:
    We have so many great fun times shared with Milt and Mary Jo. Milt was a great American and soldier who did everything that was asked of him and gave alot for his fellow soldiers. He was a great friend and human being. Much Love and Many Prayers to my childhood friend Mary Jo and family🙏❤

  • May 09, 2023
    John & Alice Lindley says:
    John and I have so many great memories of the times we shared with Milt and Mary Jo. He was a good friend and a great human being. He will remain in our heart and in our thoughts. Much Love and prayers to my childhood Mary Jo!