Roger Lee Krening

Roger Krening was born to Theodore and Marie Krening on July 17, 1937 in Scottsbluff, Nebraska and passed away on July 16, 2023 in Ellensburg, Washington. Roger graduated from Minatare High School in 1956 where he participated in football, basketball, and track and then went on to pursue a teaching degree at Chadron State University in Nebraska where he was a center and linebacker on the football team.

His first teaching job was at Lineman Middle School teaching Geography, History, and coaching football, basketball and track in 1960.  Roger accepted a new job in Mountain Home, Idaho and met Nancy Hansen and her son Eric. Roger and Nancy married in 1962 in Boise, Idaho and later moved to Eugene, Oregon.

The family moved to Washington State and Roger taught and coached at Interlake and Bellevue High Schools before eventually landing at Cle Elum High School in 1978.  In Cle Elum, Roger taught elementary, middle and high school PE, coached three sports and served as the district athletic director. Roger was hired as the Athletic Director at Ellensburg High School in 1990 and served in that role until his retirement in 1998.  In recent years, Roger came out of retirement to work at Valley View Elementary School serving as a recess supervisor.

While trips to the Rose Bowl, Hawaii, Palm Springs and Nevada were enjoyable, Roger’s greatest enjoyment was going to all types of sporting events to support the Warriors and Bulldogs.  You could be sure to find Roger sitting in his favorite chair the end of the court or in the front row at the Yakima Sundome with a hotdog or bag of popcorn. Roger was a die-hard Nebraska Cornhusker fan.  He planned his Saturday’s around the team’s schedule and was proud to represent Nebraska red in the color of his car, his home decor and his vast collection of Husker clothing.

Roger received numerous awards during his lifetime.  He was inducted into the Athletic Halls of Fame at Chadron State University in 1998, Cle Elum High School in 1991 and Ellensburg High School in 2018. While his career accomplishments are many, Roger will best be known for his genuine care and support for other people. His servant attitude and sincere interest in others set him apart and left an overwhelmingly positive mark on the world and the people who knew him.

Roger is survived by his stepson Eric Krening of Seattle and grandchildren Emma Krening of Hawaii and Jarod Krening of Seattle.

Roger’s funeral service will be conducted at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at Ellensburg High School. A lunch reception will follow in the commons.

Memorial contributions can be made to either Cle Elum or Ellensburg High School Athletic Departments.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Johnston and Williams of Ellensburg.  Online condolences may be left at www.johnston-williams.com