Condolence: On the first anniversary of Robert's passing, we want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We hope that the memories of the past give you encouragement for the future as you walk each day with your loved one in your heart. It is our privilege and honor to serve your family.

Hall Funeral Home

Condolence: Dear Herr Krebs,
It is so sad to know that this will be my last greeting to you. The world has lost one of it's kindest and warmest souls.
I came to Smithtown in 1988 to attend a senior year at Smithtown HS West, as an exchange student from Sweden. Having studied German for four years at home, it was natural to sign up for German class also at Smithtown West. With Herr Krebs as my teacher, his class came to be the highligt of my time in school. I remember the feeling of having an ally in Herr Krebs. He knew where I came from, which made me feel safe. Because, not only was he an excellent teacher, he was also a person who really cared for his students. I think he felt a connection with me as well, because I knew where he came from; Europe, and his beloved Germany, which we talked about many times.
A few Summers later, Herr Krebs was in Germany on holiday and he took the time to fly to Sweden to visit me and my family for a couple of days. I will never forget that. Since then we have written eachother every Christmas for 26 years, and I have cherished every single letter. In his last letter I learned how ill he actually was. He suffered, and despite the terrible loss of a good friend, I am relieved he doesn't have to suffer anymore. Nothing is worse.
I am sending my deepest condolences and warmest thoughts to his family, which I know was his first and foremost priority in life.
You are one of the most respectable persons I have ever known, Herr Krebs, and you will always have a special place in my heart.

Auf Wiedersehen,

Sara Näslund Andréasson,
Uppsala, Sweden
Smithtown HS West, Class of '89

Condolence:
Sure do miss your smile and visits.

Condolence: I worked at New England Cancer Specialist, where Mr. Krebs was a patient. He, by far, was my favorite patient. What a sweet gentle soul. Even when he was feeling so poorly, he always had a kind word and a lovely smile he would share with me. We have truly lost a wonderful man. Rest in Peace Mr. Krebs.
Melissa

Condolence: I was so disappointed to hear about the passing of our dear German teacher, Herr Krebs. He did so much to share the joys of German language and culture with his students - whether showing us German art, teaching us German songs or rehearsing traditional German dances. He truly made it fun! And, what an extravaganza he put on with that German dinner dance every year! How lucky we were to have that experience. When budget cuts came along, he had to fight hard to keep German as an elective in schools. Thankfully, he did! Finally, he worked so hard to repair German-American relations after the damage from the World Wars. He constantly reminded us of the positive contributions from German citizens. He made me proud of my German heritage. Thank you, Herr Krebs. You were a rare gem. You will be greatly missed.

Jennifer Herber
Smithtown High School West '89
Former President of the German Honor Society '89

Condolence: Our heartfelt condolences to the family of Herr Krebs.

My sister Eleanor and I were both students of Herr Krebs at Accompsett Junior High School and Smithtown High School West. "Der Herr" was the kindest and most devoted teacher. He was such a positive influence on so many young people. A class act that will be missed by many. He taught us how to waltz for the German Honor Society banquets! Rest in peace, our dear friend.

Susan Balk Worley - Class of '82
Eleanor Balk Morales - Class of '77

Condolence: I cried when I learned today of Herr Krebs' death. I was one of his very first students. I was blessed to be in German 1 as Herr Krebs began his student teaching! Even at the very beginning, he was the consummate professional: organized, prepared, hard-working, dedicated, enthusiastic, and passionate about all things German! He conveyed that he cared deeply about his family, his teaching, and his students. He set high yet achievable expectations for all his students. After two years of German with Herr Krebs, I was placed in a German class my freshman year at Duke University with graduate students, not knowing a word of German before encountering Herr Krebs. As others have mentioned, I too find myself singing songs learned in class (e.g.: Muss ich denn!) I have continued to practice and study German while visiting my relatives in Muenchen, Wien, and Bratislava, participating in German MeetUp groups, and very recently, studying intensive German immersion for 2 summers in Wien, while working on my late life PhD studies. I am a member of the Raleigh Little German Dancers, where we perform German folk dances. A touch of his passion for all things German/Austrian lives on in me. Although I have had other good teachers over the years, Robert is still THE very best teacher I have ever had!

To his grieving family, I extend my both my heartfelt condolences and gratitude,for your having a hand in shaping a man who touched so many lives, so positively, over the years. I only wish there could have been far more years with him in this world. The world needs far more individuals like Robert. I am truly a better person for having known Robert Krebs. I will miss his cherished letters written on beautiful cards, saved, cherished and re-read. A piece of Robert lives on in me, as Herr Krebs helped and inspired me to be a better person, a better scholar, and a better teacher.

Meine aufrichtige Abteilnahme zum Tode.

Mary Margaret Samson, PhD
Smithtown HS Class of 1972

Condolence: Herr Krebs, My favorite teacher of all time. Class of 1978. He managed to bring together a group of students who otherwise may never have talked to each other. He was so very special and made us feel that way. He made us laugh and laugh. He made us proud of our German roots and made learning the language fun. He threw us parties at Sunkem Meadow and I think of him everytime I go there. We teased him about his Peruvian shoes and he took it all so well. Herr Krebs, you are not and will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace.

Condolence: Through his passion for teaching and his compassion for his students, Herr Krebs ("Herr") touched so many lives and this world is better because he was in it.
To this day, at age 45, my wife will often hear me spontaneously quote German sayings, sing lines from German songs and talk about times in class and the German Honor Society. Herr's teachings had such an impact on me and all though it is late to say so....Danke schön, Herr.

My condolences to you and your family for your loss.

Tim Ferguson Class of 1989
Boca Raton, FL

Condolence: I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Herr Krebs. He was a gifted teacher and a caring man who left a lifetime impression on any student who came through his classroom. My husband and I were both taught by him, and often speak about our fond memories of the GHS dinner dance which Herr Krebs founded. Our condolences to his family and loved ones.

Amy and Ben Jaekle- Smihtown Class of 2002