'Will sorely miss him': Former Peoria County official dies at 74

Former Peoria County Administrator David Krings died in Cincinnati at 74 years old on June 26 following complications after open-heart surgery.

Krings, who served as Peoria County's first administrator from 1983 to 1992, was the type of leader who other public officials "looked up to," Peoria City Manager Patrick Urich said.

"Peoria County was very fortunate to have David Krings for the time that they did," Urich said. "It was clear by the ark of his profession that he went on to do great things."

Krings was instrumental in expanding the county courthouse and building the county jail on Plank Road. Peoria County Administrator Scott Sorrel said Krings always maintained roots in Peoria and said he was a mentor to him personally and professionally.

"Both the Peoria community and Cincinnati community will sorely miss him and the profession of local government management will sorely miss him," Sorrel said.

Sharon Kennedy, a former Peoria County Board member who served on the board while Krings was administrator, said he was "very helpful" and "very well thought of."

"He was probably one of the most professional county administrators that anybody in Illinois had," Kennedy said.

More: Despite opposition, CO2 pipelines are pushing forward in Illinois. Here's what's next

Following his time in Peoria County, Krings moved to Cincinnati where he served as the county administrator for Hamilton County. While there, he helped drive the efforts to build the home stadiums of the Cincinnati Reds and Cincinnati Bengals.

"I am honored that I was able to know him and work with him," Urich said.

Krings also served as the head of the National Association of County Administrators and the International City and County Management Association.

"The county of Peoria is saddened to see the passing of David Krings," Sorrel said. "His time here was instrumental in the development of Peoria County and county government in a critical time of our community's history."

Krings, Kennedy said, was a huge hockey fan and "loved the Peoria Rivermen."

'A real leader': Former mayor remembered for his vision to reshape Peoria

He is survived by his wife Christine, his children Amy, Katrina and Sarah and three grandchildren.

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Former Peoria County administrator dies at 74