Carole Jo Krieger

Carole Jo Krieger passed away quietly in her sleep at home on January 1st, 2021, following a five-year battle with cancer.

She was born May 14th, 1955, the middle of five children. She grew up with many neighborhood friends, and graduated New Philadelphia High School in 1973. After a brief stint at Kent State University, she followed her first husband in his military service, eventually settling in the Tidewater area of Virginia, where she raised her daughter Amanda Feutz. After several years as a single mother, she met Michael Parker on a Boy Scout Scoutmaster training camp-out. They married on November 24th, 1990, residing in Chesapeake, VA for the majority of their years together.
As a couple, Carole and Michael enjoyed camping, canoeing, NASCAR, and wine tasting all over the East Coast and beyond. A large part of their relationship centered around giving in service to others through a number of different organizations and through personal interactions. They were active together in church life for several years, as well as Scouting and the arts.

In addition, Carole was passionate about recreation as a planner and coordinator. She graduated with honors from Old Dominion University in December 1997, and was a member of Phi Kappa Phi. She finished college eager to use her knowledge and creativity to help others enjoy their free time, and create spaces and programs that welcomed everyone. She spent several years working in retirement communities and youth homes in that capacity. Her work and activities with these groups brought her pleasure, as she loved to see others enjoying the world around them.

From a young age, Carole liked needlework of all kinds, and was an avid crafter, making things for those she loved. She also became interested in carpentry and house construction. She and Michael rebuilt much of the Chesapeake house together, making it their own. They carried these skills to Ohio over the course of her last years, travelling back and forth to restore her parents’ house before moving back to Ohio in her last year to be closer to their work and family.

Dogs were always a part of Carole’s life. Over the years, many dogs found her heart, often from shelters. They included many dachshunds, but also Roo, the first dog to come to her as an adult, Dragas, their Gordon setter, and Jeremiah, their husky mix among others. Her loyal and constant companion in the last several years was Peanut, who adored her and is lost without her.

In addition to her husband and daughter, Carole is survived by her mother L. Arlene Krieger; brothers Craig (Lucy), Mark (Gayle), and Kevin (Kendra); sister Michele (Mike) Krieger Hubble; and several nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her father Clarence “Clem” Krieger, and her niece, Darcy Krieger.

In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that donations be made to the Elizabeth River Project through our GoFundMe page.