Paul F. Kreutz

Paul F. Kreutz, born on August 28, 1951, who departed this life on May 16, 2026, at Arbors of Carroll, leaves behind a legacy steeped in love, faith, and unwavering kindness. Paul was more than a machine operator at Anchor Hocking; he was a man whose hands created harmony both in his work and with the strings of his beloved Martin acoustic guitar. A master musician, Paul’s gatherings with friends from work, filled with sing-alongs and jams, were moments where his light shone brightly, illuminating the hearts of all who joined him.

He was a pillar in his family, a superhero to his daughter Tonya Piper, who knew that with Paul, anything was possible. His ability to fix anything extended beyond the tangible; it was in the way he restored hope, comfort, and laughter. To his stepchildren—Lyle (Marty), Eric, and Morgan Jackson—and to his grandchildren and step-grandchildren, Paul was the embodiment of generosity and gentle strength.

Paul loved being on Buckeye Lake with his family and found joy in friendly competition during trivia nights at Papa Boo’s. Yet, beneath his convivial spirit was a man of deep, devout faith. Every morning, with a cup of coffee in hand, he would immerse himself in the sacred texts of the Bible, a daily ritual that anchored his soul and guided his actions. His faith was a steady beacon in the lives of those he touched.

Fondly remembered as the “sweetest guy,” Paul was known to give the shirt off his back without hesitation. His readiness to help, to fix a problem, or simply to be present was not just an act of kindness but his very nature. Everyone who crossed his path felt the warmth of his generosity and the calm assurance of his presence.

Though his loving wife Anna (Swallow) Kreutz passed away in January 2018, and his parents, Victor and Anita (Irwin) Kreutz, along with his brother Ken and sister Celeste Wells, have also preceded him in death, the vibrant spirit of Paul endures. He is survived by those who loved him dearly: his daughter Tonya (Gary) Piper; stepchildren Lyle (Marty), Eric, and Morgan Jackson; grandson Kyle Piper; step-grandchildren Rebekah (Jeremy) Raab, Devin (Koren) Jackson, Amanda, Sammy, and Augustus Jackson; his sister Celia Grosse; and an extended family of step great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Paul was not just a great father and grandfather but a great man, one who filled rooms with laughter, hearts with warmth, and lives with faith. The world feels a little quieter without his guitar’s gentle strumming and his hearty laugh, but his spirit—a melody of love, kindness, and faith—will forever echo among those who knew and cherished him.

Caring Cremation has taken place through the Frank E. Smith Funeral Home. Online condolences can be made at www.funeralhome.com