William F. Krieg, marketer
William F. Krieg, 77, formerly of Yeadon, a retired Franklin Mint executive, died of lung cancer Tuesday at his home in Wildwood Crest.
William F. Krieg, 77, formerly of Yeadon, a retired Franklin Mint executive, died of lung cancer Tuesday at his home in Wildwood Crest.
Mr. Krieg became a marketing manager for the mint in 1968, and in 1970 was named vice president of marketing and sales and collectors relations for the manufacturer of coins and collectibles. In 1972, he secured an $8 million contract for the mint to design and produce Israeli coins. During negotiations, he dined with Menachem Begin, who later became prime minister.
Mr. Krieg established the Franklin Mint Collectors Society and joined society members for trips to Africa and Europe. In 1975, he was appointed to the U.S. Assay Commission, which determines the quality of the country's coinage.
Mr. Krieg retired from the mint in 1984 and moved to the Shore in 1988.
Since 2000, he had surveyed farmers for the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, gathering information, over the phone and in person, ranging from number of livestock and crop acreage to types of fertilizer and pesticides farmers were using.
Mr. Krieg was so congenial, said his son, Mark, that usually reticent farmers shared details of their operation with him and gave him baskets of fruits and vegetables to take home. He received awards from the state for his diligence, his son said.
Mr. Krieg graduated from St. James High School in Chester and served in the Air Force for four years in Puerto Rico and England. After his discharge he was an account manager with Household Finance before joining the mint. In 1955 he married Julia Abbott, whom he had met at a church dance in West Philadelphia.
In addition to his wife and son, Mr. Krieg is survived by a daughter, Julia A. Fazio; a sister; and four grandchildren.
A Funeral Mass will be said at 11 a.m. today at Church of the Assumption, 7110 Seaview Ave., Wildwood Crest. Friends may call from 10 a.m. Burial will be in Cape May County Veterans Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to Holy Redeemer Hospice, 1801 Route 9 N., Swainton, N.J. 08210.