Oktoberfest executive director Mark Kreller dies unexpectedly

Mark Kreller, executive director of the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, discusses the 2011 parade marshal in Kitchener, Ont. on Wednesday, June 15, 2011.

Mark Kreller, a community builder who had been the executive director of Kitchener-Watelroo Oktoberfest since 2010, died Monday night.

Kreller, 54, died suddenly in his sleep following a full day of work at the organization he’d been involved with for 27 years.

Oktoberfest president Harry Vogt says Kreller’s loss is being felt across the community.

“Oktoberfest as well is sharing the extreme loss and terrible tragedy of his death,” he says.

After spending 15 years as a volunteer, Kreller joined the Oktoberfest board of directors in 2001 and served as the festival’s president in 2007 and 2008.

He is credited with helping navigate Oktoberfest through some choppy waters and helping to ensure its long-term sustainability.

“Mark was really a positive and passionate person who mentored and coached a lot of staff and Oktoberfest volunteers,” says Vogt.

Outside of Oktoberfest, Kreller was also involved with Junior Achievement, Leadership Waterloo Region and the Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.

He could also be counted on to keep the Black Forest Band in line as their drummer.

“He spent his whole life being engaged and serving the community, and trying to make a difference in the quality of life in our community,” says former Oktoberfest president Vic Degutis.

A funeral will be held Saturday morning.