Austin, TX - Stephen J. Kreger of Austin, Texas, passed away after a short illness on July 30, at the age of 77.

Born February 27, 1948, in Georgetown, Texas, Stephen was the son of the late Clarence and Jacqueline Kreger. After graduating from Georgetown High School, Stephen attended the University of Texas at Austin where he graduated with a degree in Sociology. He worked for various entities in the Austin area including the Department of Public Welfare and the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS).

Stephen was incredibly intelligent with a dry, sarcastic sense of humor that could be both hilarious and cutting depending on who was on the receiving end. He could be gruff and stubborn and hard-headed but behind that Oscar the Grouch exterior was a very good heart. He cared deeply about his community, serving on the neighborhood associations in Cherrywood and in Windsor Hills, where he also served as President. He served as a Board Member and later as President on the Friends of Gus Garcia Park and Rec Center Board in Northeast Austin for many years. He participated in numerous park clean-ups even before the park technically existed and was an outspoken proponent of the green spaces in Austin. Stephen was a member of the Austin Parks and Rec Advisory Board, appointed by City Council members Spellman and Goodman. He was a member of the Austin Softball Players Association Board for over 10 years as well as a umpire for the softball league. He was a long-time volunteer with Meals on Wheels and enjoyed helping those that needed it.

Stephen's hobbies included playing softball for almost 55 years at Krieg and Havins ball fields, enjoying UT athletic events especially for baseball and as a season ticket holder for UT Women's and Men's basketball games. He was a lifelong baseball lover, antiques hunter, car enthusiast and enjoyed listening to 50's and 60's rock n' roll. During high school football seasons, he would try to grab a friend and head out to see two current powerhouses take each other on. He also enjoyed UIL State Track meets and loved attending the Texas Relays. Stephen loved his Boston Terriers, caring for many of them over the years.

Stephen is survived by his sister Karla Hutchins and his nephews, Nathan & Christopher; his Boston Terrier, Teddy; and his close friends Jim & Debra Hughey along with their daughter, Allison; David Ray and Kathy Rose-Ray & their children, Chelsea and Zach; as well as many other friends and former co-workers.

We would like to thank the wonderful staff of Dell Seton Medical Center in Austin for their care and compassion.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Gus Garcia Rec Center in Austin, Texas from 10:30am-12:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Meals on Wheels, the Boston Terrier Rescue of North Texas, the South Texas Boston Terrier Rescue, and/or Austin Animal Center.