March 4, 1968 – August 2, 2026
In Loving Memory of
John Michael Creiger Sr.
March 4, 1968- August 2, 2026
John Michael Creiger Sr. lived a life defined by resilience, creativity, unwavering love, and fierce devotion to his family.
Raised in Oak Grove, Missouri, John spent his younger years on the football field and the wrestling mat until a knee injury ended his athletic career. Even before then, he had already overcome one of life’s greatest challenges as a childhood cancer survivor. That same strength stayed with him throughout his life, carrying him through every joy and every hardship with determination and courage.
John knew both incredible love and unimaginable loss. He was the proud father of his two biological children, and together with his former wife, Robin Creiger, he opened his heart and home by adopting seven children. To John, there was never a difference between biological and adopted. Every one of them was simply his child—loved equally, protected fiercely, and cherished beyond measure. Family was never defined by blood in his eyes; it was defined by love.
John also endured the heartbreaking loss of his daughters, Gabbrielle Creiger and Alicia Creiger. Though those losses remained a part of his story, they never diminished the love he continued to pour into his family. His bond with Robin remained strong throughout his life, and she was his best friend and the love of his life until his very last breath.
An artist through and through, John found peace and purpose in drawing, painting, and wood burning. Every piece he created carried a little piece of who he was, and he loved sharing those gifts with the people he loved most. Whether he was creating a handmade gift or sharing his artwork with someone special, he put a part of himself into every piece—leaving behind reminders of his heart, his creativity, and his love.
John was a devoted Kansas City Chiefs fan and loved watching races whenever he had the chance. But above all else, he loved his family. He was a protector by nature, someone who would do anything possible for the people he loved. He always had a story to share, a joke to tell, or a memory that could bring laughter to those around him. There was never a dull moment when John was present.
Nothing brought John greater happiness than being “Papa.” He treasured every visit with his children and grandchildren and especially cherished the late-night FaceTime calls with his youngest grandchildren. Hearing them excitedly yell, “Papa!” or proudly show him a drawing they had made brought a smile to his face that nothing else could.
John is welcomed into Heaven by his mother, (Roberta) Bert Creiger, his best four pawed bud – Walter, and his beloved daughters, Gabbrielle and Alicia Creiger.
He leaves behind his parents, Larry Creiger, Fayette Amos, and Jim Amos; his best friend and the love of his life, Robin Creiger; his children, Jasmine, Robert, Gemini, Melissa, James, John Michael Jr., Ashley, and Lucas; his cherished grandchildren, Mikey, Keiley, Kolton, Avianna, Slayde, Elijah, and Legend; his great-granddaughter, Haven; and countless family members and friends who will forever carry his memory in their hearts.
John left this world the same way he lived in it—with a heart full of love for his family. Just as every drawing, painting, and wood-burned piece carried a little part of who he was, so does every life he touched. He leaves pieces of himself behind in his children, his grandchildren, his artwork, his stories, and the memories that will continue to be shared for generations.
He was deeply loved in this life and will be missed beyond words. Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing he is whole again, reunited with those who went before him, and waiting for us with open arms, another story to tell, and the love that never left him.
Until we meet again, Dad… thank you for protecting us, loving us fiercely, and leaving so much of yourself behind. Your story lives on through all of us.
Celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 3pm
Located at 136 E. Washington St. Gardner, Ks 66030
Please RSVP to (913) 235-2644
Obituary published by Charter Funerals.
