Howard D. Kritzer Jr.

June 8, 1942 - May 23, 2026

It is with heavy hearts and profound gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of Howard D. Kritzer, Jr., who departed this world peacefully on May 23, 2026, at the age of 83. Howard was born on June 8, 1942, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and spent his final days enveloped in the love of his family and the compassionate care of the staff at Clinton Union Hospital after a week in hospice care.

Howard was the beloved son of the late Julia A. (Edelman) Duvall and Howard D. Kritzer, Sr. He was predeceased by his siblings Walter, Robert, William Jr., Daniel, Charlotte, Ann, and Dottie, who undoubtedly welcomed him with open arms into eternal rest.

Howard was also preceded in death by his first wife and the mother of their five children, Barbara (Leber) Kritzer, who passed away in 2004. Together, Howard and Barbara shared 36 devoted years of marriage, building a family and a life grounded in love and commitment.

A devoted husband, Howard is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Martha “Marti” Kritzer, with whom he built a life filled with love, laughter, and countless cherished memories.

Howard was a proud and devoted father to his children: Kirstin Budd (Jonathan), Tara Carie (Travis), Howard Kritzer III (Tammy), Matthew Kritzer (Jennifer), and Keith Kritzer (Shena) — all children from his marriage to Barbara — and his stepson, Steven Stern (Dora). His legacy continues through his numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Howard is also survived by his dear siblings Clara Frank (Jim), Julie Kelly (Robert), and Howard Kritzer who shared his life’s journey and offered unwavering support and love.

In his early years, Howard proudly served in the United States Navy from 1960 to 1962, attaining the rank of Seaman and receiving an honorable discharge. His commitment to service and country was a testament to his character and dedication.

Following his military service, Howard built a career as a maintenance mechanic — a profession he held with great pride. His final position was at Kroger Dairy in Indianapolis, Indiana, where his work ethic and skill left a lasting impression on his colleagues.

Christian faith was the very foundation of Howard’s life — a cornerstone that shaped who he was as a husband, a father, and a man. Together, Howard and Barbara raised their five children in that same faith, instilling in them a love for God and a commitment to living with integrity and purpose. In his later years, Howard found a spiritual home at Remnant Church in North Terre Haute, Indiana, where he became a cherished and active member of the congregation after relocating to Dana, Indiana.

A celebration of Howard’s life will take place on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Remnant Church, North Terre Haute, Indiana. Family and friends are invited to join in honoring a life marked by kindness, courage, and unwavering love.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, an organization that was close to Howard’s heart.

The Kritzer family extends their deepest gratitude to the staff at Clinton Gardens for the exceptional care and compassion shown to Howard during his stay of nearly a year and a half. Your kindness brought comfort and peace to Howard and his loved ones.

Those who knew Howard best knew a man of discipline and resolve — a stern and steadfast father whose high standards were rooted in deep love. He ran a structured household and did not hand out smiles freely, which made the ones he gave all the more meaningful. Yet beneath that tough exterior lived a man of extraordinary generosity; he would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need without a second thought. Howard believed in the value of character above all else, and he worked hard to pass that lesson on to his children, teaching them through example that how you carry yourself matters. He had a natural ease with people and a way of making friends wherever life took him. Howard D. Kritzer, Jr. was not a man of many words, but the life he lived spoke volumes — and those fortunate enough to know him will carry his influence with them always.