Obituary of Rev. Burl Gene Kreps

Burl died at home surrounded by family on July 27, 2021, at the age of 90. He was born in Beatrice, Nebraska in 1931 as the youngest child of Raymond R. Kreps and Mae (Folsom) Kreps. Burl grew up in several towns and cities in Nebraska. He graduated from Lincoln Nebraska High School and received a BA from Nebraska Wesleyan University. He belonged to the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity. Burl completed his education with a master's degree at Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colorado in 1960. Ordained in the United Methodist Church in 1960. He married Kathleen Hoflund in Denver on April 2, 1960. His career took him to Angola, Africa where he served as a short-term missionary for the Methodist Church where he did youth work. Burl followed this experience serving as a campus minister at U.N.C in Greeley and several churches in Utah, Denver, Lakewood, and Colorado Springs where he was parish minister for the United Methodist Church. He was the delegate to the World Methodist Conference in Singapore. He had a forty-two year career in the church before retiring in 1995. After retiring, he connected once again with Angola where he raised funds to support the mission and members of the Angolan Methodist Church. His real passion was working with and for the people of Angola. He directed a volunteer Mission team to Angola. He and his wife Kathy loved to travel and were able to go to many countries in the world. They directed a Kenya Volunteer in Mission team and one to Bolivia and Chili. They were also involved with a travel ministry for twenty years and led many groups around the world including Israel and Palestine.While he was at Good Shepherd UMC he helped create Fountain Valley Cares and served as the President of the Pikes Peak Area Council of Churches. Nebraska Wesleyan University Alumni Assoc. recognized Burl with the Alumni Humanitarian Award in 2004. Also, the Upsilon Chapter of Phi Kappa Tau recognized Burl with an outstanding Alumnus award in 2004. On a given day you might find him volunteering for Care and Share, Westside Cares or attending meetings of Rampart Range Kiwanis, First Congregational Church, or attending Pillar Classes. He was noted for his passionate presence with individuals, causes and programs. Burl was an avid sports fan either by participating or attending sports events. While in High School and College he was a member of the state Championship Basketball teams and was on the Nebraska Wesleyan Conference Basketball team. He also played for championship teams in Lisbon, Portugal and Luanda, Angola. He was in the College Basketball Hall of fame. After retiring, he was active for many years in the Senior Olympics playing basketball. Burl and Kathy adopted two wonderful children. He was a family man and family events were so special. Burl also enjoyed living with and experiencing all the wonderful moments of life with his deepest love, Kathy. Burl was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Mae Kreps; his sister, Lois Lyness; and his brother, Leslie Kreps. He is survived by his wife, Kathy; his son, Jeff (Laurie Smith) Kreps; his daughter, Alison Key (James) Goodreid; and grandsons, Gary (Haley) Masters, Michael Key (Barbara) Pitman, Matthew Key, and Jacob Kreps; step-granddaughter, Alexa Goodreid. He is also survived by a niece and five nephews. Memorial Contributions in Burl's memory may be made to Westside Cares, 2808 West Colorado, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80904, or The Iliff School of Theology, 2323 East Iliff Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80210. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Pikes Peak Hospice for their care and support along with many friends and relatives. Celebration of Life, 11:00AM, Saturday, August 21, 2021, The First Congregational Church, 20 East Street Vrain Street, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903. Reception to follow at the church. Events Celebration of Life Saturday, August 21, 2021 11:00AM First Congregational Church 20 E. St. Vrain Colorado Springs, CO Phone: 719-328-1793