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Doreen Ann Krein

1928 — 2019

Doreen Ann Krein, 90, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 20, 2019, in El Paso, Texas. For the past 12 years, Doreen was cared for by her daughter, Michele and son-in-law, Andrew Haddad, after the death of her husband of 57 years, Walter Krein. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 6, 2019, at Coffelt’s Funeral Chapel, 109 N. Division Ave., in Sandpoint, Idaho. Burial will follow in Pinecrest Memorial Park Cemetery in Sandpoint.

Doreen was born Dec. 26, 1928, to Chester and Gladys Howell in Bottineau, N.D. She graduated from Sandpoint High School, where she played on the girls’ basketball team and was a cheerleader and drum majorette. She also enjoyed tap dancing, twirling and was a local beauty queen.

While working as an usherette at the Panida Theatre in Sandpoint, she fell in love with Walt, a handsome Idaho State Patrolman who frequently came to see movies there. When Walt accepted a position with the U.S. Border Patrol, he proposed by saying, “Would you like to go to Texas?” She accepted and the couple married May 10, 1949.

In the years to follow, Doreen had her hands full as a wife and loving mother to four children, making many adjustments along the way as Walt’s career took the family to Texas, Vermont, Maryland and back to Texas. After his retirement, the couple returned to Idaho, making their home in Coeur d’Alene for 27 years.

Doreen was sharp as a tack until the day she died and loved to read, work crossword puzzles, play board games and watch movies. She was also a die-hard “The Young and the Restless” and “Jeopardy” fan. She was an excellent cook; her skillet-fried chicken and famous raspberry jam were family favorites. She also enjoyed baking; a delicious dessert was always waiting after every dinner. She enjoyed music and loved to dance. And, let’s not forget, she LOVED a good cup of coffee and especially a good smoke!

Doreen’s greatest joy was her family. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, always encouraging and supportive and never missing an important event in her loved ones’ lives. She happily traveled to attend marching band competitions, soccer, softball, volleyball, and basketball games, dance performances, graduations and weddings. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Steven and Susan Krein of Kingsport, Tenn.; her daughter, Debra Long of Laveen, Ariz.; and her daughter and son-in-law, Michele and Andrew Haddad of El Paso, Texas. She is also survived by six grandchildren: Stephanie and Amanda Krein, Meghan Freeney, Rachel (Dave) Baird, Aaron (Jamie) Haddad and Mark Haddad; and four great-grandchildren: Isaiah and Solise Freeney and Molly and Abigail Haddad. Two brothers, Chet (Patti) Howell and Colin Howell and two sisters, Marilyn Sell and Adrienne Howell, also survive her, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Doreen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Walter Krein and her son, Douglas Allen Krein. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.

Doreen was an incredible woman, blessed to have lived a long and fulfilling life. She will be greatly missed and will live forever in the hearts of all who loved her.