Van Krey, Harry

Harry Van Krey, age 84, of Blacksburg, was called to the loving arms of his Savior on January 3, 2016. He was born in Combined Locks, Wisconsin. After completing his high school education in Kimberly, Wisconsin, he served his country in the United States Marine Corps.

Harry then attended the University of California at Davis, graduating with a doctorate in comparative physiology. He joined the Virginia Tech faculty in 1964, retiring as professor emeritus after 30 years of service in the Department of Animal and Poultry Science. Harry enjoyed all aspects of his academic career, but his greatest joy came from working with the many fine graduate students he was privileged to direct.

Harry was preceded in death by his beloved wife Jean, parents Martin and Jane Van Krey, sister Anne Diehn, and brothers Pete, Tony, John, and Joe Van Krey.

Harry is survived by his daughter Suzie Karlin and husband Lester, daughter Karen Ayers and husband Stephen, granddaughter April Ayers Seiple and husband Jarrett, grandson Dallas Ayers and wife Heather, granddaughter Rachel Karlin Potter and husband Christopher, granddaughter Sarah Karlin Messer and husband John, great-grandson Caleb Potter, and great-granddaughters Addie and Bristol Ayers, Sydney Seiple, and Reese Potter.

The family will receive friends at the McCoy Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 6th from 1:00 – 2:00 pm, immediately prior to the memorial service at 2:00 pm officiated by Rev. Tommy McDearis in the McCoy Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at the Westview Cemetery. The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers a memorial contribution may be made to the Blacksburg Volunteer Fire Department, 407 Hubbard St., Blacksburg, Va.