Edna Kreger to be Honored with 'First Lady of Wyandotte Award'

Known to many as half of Wyandotte's "first family," Edna Kreger will be honored Saturday for her many contributions to the city.

She will be presented with the "First Lady of Wyandotte Award" during the Woman of the Year Gala on Saturday. The event is being co-hosted by Women of Wyandotte and the Wyandotte Jaycees at the Downriver Italian-American Hall.

"Mrs. Kreger's family have graciously accepted the nomination and we look forward to honoring this great lady," event organizers said in a written statement.

The Kregers also were honored during a special Valentine's Day show on WDIV-TV Channel 4 on Tuesday night.

William Kreger, 97, died Jan. 4, and Edna Kreger, 96, died about 12 hours later on Saturday.

Edna was valedictorian of her graduating class at Roosevelt High School. After marrying William, she became involved in a number of organizations throughout the community. She also was an active volunteer at St. Patrick Catholic Church.

William served as Wyandotte's mayor from 1950-56, according to Wyandotte Museums. He also was a member of the Huron Clinton Metropark Authority for more than 40 years and worked as publisher of the Wyandotte News-Herald Newspaper for more than 30 years and as the vice-president of Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of Wyandotte, according to city records.

Due to the Kregers' heavy community involvement, Rotary Park at Third and Maple was renamed the William and Edna Kreger Memorial Playground at the request of Rotary Club members in June 2009. 

For more on the couple, read Wyandotte's 'First Family' William and Edna Kreger Die Hours Apart.