Obituary of Arnold Kren

Arnold Kren, quietly passed away in his sleep in the early morning hours of June 3, 2021 with his son Richard and wife Katharina by his side. Arnold was born in the town of Malgern, within the region known as Gottschee, on August 26, 1933. The region is located in present day Slovenia. He is the son of Alois Kren and Josefa (Wiederwohl). Arnold is the beloved husband of wife Katharina, and father of sons Richard and Rudolf. As a youth growing up in Europe during the war, Arnold and his family were often forced to relocate and lived in various towns within Austria and Germany. His frequent moves provided him the opportunity to play soccer for several local teams in Europe, all the while gaining notoriety wherever he played. Arnold came to America on the SS United States in 1955, when he was 22 years old. Arnold apprenticed as painter and wood finisher in Austria, which became his trade upon coming to America. He married his love Katharina on August 24, 1957 and with whom he shared 63 glorious years together. He played soccer for several local clubs in New York, including Sport Club New York, Blau-Weiss Gottschee Soccer Club, German Americans Sport Verein, Pfaelzer SC, and Kolping SC. Arnold was also an avid skier, bowler and golfer - ski racing as a member for the Edelweiss Ski Club, participating in golf tournaments and the Gottscheer bowling league. Arnold also found time to volunteer as a soccer coach for Blau-Weiss Gottschee, coaching both of his sons and winning many youth and boys championships in both indoor and outdoor competitions. Arnold also coached the Blau-Weiss Gottschee Men’s First Team. In 1991, to embrace retirement, Arnold and Katharina moved from Linden Street in Ridgewood, NY to Shohola, Pennsylvania where they built a home on 30 wooded acres of land that reminded them of their roots back in Austria and Germany. Arnold kept busy in retirement using his trade skills by refinishing furniture for family, and crafting birdhouses, bat boxes, bear silhouettes and ornate Edelweiss displays out of wood. He kept active by skiing and golfing until age 80. Arnold is survived by his loving wife Katharina (nee Christ), sons Richard & wife Hildegard Eder and Rudolf, sister Lotte, and grandchildren Kristina & husband Adam Tauber, Eric & fiancé Shawna Herter and Bryan. He was predeceased by brother Richard, and sisters Elfriede and Maria. The wake will be at Ridgewood Chapels, Grandview Avenue in Ridgewood, NY. Viewing hours are from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday June 11, 2021. Catholic mass will be held at Saint Matthias Church on Catalpa Avenue in Ridgewood, NY on Saturday June 12, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Burial will immediately follow the church service at Linden Hill Methodist Cemetery on Woodward Avenue in Ridgewood, NY.