Service Details
A service celebrating John’s life, including military honors, will be held on Saturday, July 29, 2023 at 12:00 noon in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home with Pastor Beth Ann Stone officiating. A memorial luncheon will follow. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Saturday from 10:00 am – 12:00 noon. Private interment will take place at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
Memorial Suggestions
Memorials to “Salvation Army” (one of John’s favorite charities) or to Mount Pleasant Lutheran Church have been suggested.
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Mount Pleasant – John Louis Krekling, age 87, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded with the love of family, early Tuesday morning, July 25, 2023.
John was born in Racine, WI on January 21, 1936 to the late Harry M. and Mildred I. (nee: Bassinger) Krekling. Following high school, John faithfully served our country with the United States Navy as an airman apprentice from 1955-57 in Alameda, CA & Great Lakes, IL.
On February 18, 1956, in Gethsemane Lutheran Church, John was united in marriage with the love of his life, Shirley (nee: Hagen) Krekling. John owned & operated Krekling Decorating for over 20 years, retiring in 1997. He was so proud that the family business continues to serve our community today. In retirement, John & Shirley enjoyed spending winters in Las Vegas, NV.
John had been a member of Gethsemane Lutheran Church for many years, more recently attending Mount Pleasant Lutheran Church; he was a member of Painters Local #108 and served on the City of Racine Cemetery Commission. John enjoyed home improvement projects, riding his bicycle, and an occasional trip to the casino. He was always willing to help anyone in need, especially if it involved him using his chainsaw! Above all, John loved being together with his entire family, especially his grandchildren & great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all who had the great fortune to know him.
Surviving are his loving wife of over 67 years, Shirley; their children, John A. (Betty) Krekling, Susan (Jim) Tofte, Timothy (Sari) Krekling and James (Brenda Bursek ) Krekling; grandchildren, Kevin (Denise) Krekling, Chris (Betsy) Krekling, Katy (Josh) Leinberger, Sam Tofte, Patrick (Lyndsay) Tofte, Andrew (Megan) Krekling, Emily (Jason) Sinnen, Abby (fiancé, Collin McAtee) Krekling, Veronica Bursek-Krekling, Jay Krekling and Isaac Taylor; great-grandchildren, Jack & Ellie Krekling, Julian & Joni Krekling, Connor & Charlie Sinnen, Blake & Emma Krekling, Nora & Henry Leinberger; brother, Wayne Krekling; sisters, Mary Boudreau, Pauline (Wes) Bose and Kathy (Dave) Karlsen; nieces, nephews, other relatives, customers & friends – too numerous to mention all by name.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by brothers, Thomas Krekling & Robert “Bobby” Krekling; Shirley’s parents, Gilman & Martha Hagen; sisters-in-law, Sue Krekling, Betty “Susie” (George “Whitey”) Atcheson & Dorothy “Tootie” (James “Bud”) Dykstra; and brothers-in-law, Richard Boudreau & Richard (Marlene) Hagen.
A service celebrating John’s life, including military honors, will be held on Saturday, July 29, 2023 at 12:00 noon in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home with Pastor Beth Ann Stone officiating. A memorial luncheon will follow. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Saturday from 10:00 am – 12:00 noon. Private interment will take place at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Memorials to “Salvation Army” (one of John’s favorite charities) or to Mount Pleasant Lutheran Church have been suggested.
A heartfelt note of thanks to Aurora Hospital – Mount Pleasant, especially Dr. Amy Kelly, Dr. Dajun Wang, Dr. Navjot Kohli, Rhonda, Sandy, Nick & Diane…and the other team members for the compassionate care & support given in John’s time of need. May God bless all of you!
Anonymous says
i went grtd school with john iworked along with him atscj inwaxdale a lot i did the phones whilewhile he did the decorating my name is gordon gillis i know his sons as well as his wife too at park high school rest in peacejohn gordy
Ray & Jean Nelson says
John, you have been one great neighbor for the last 18 years! Ray & Jean Nelson
Bill and Lisa Greco says
John, and the entire Krekling family, our sincere condolences and sympathies for your loss.
Always enjoyed your father and his wicked sense of humor. I was honored to be part of his ushering team at Gethsemane. Heading up to the balcony to take attendance, he’d remark, “time to count bald heads”. Priceless.
May he rest in peace with a smile on his face.
Debra Ellingson says
So many memories on Jerome Blvd. You will be missed by many and thought of often. God bless the whole family at this difficult time.
Karen J Ruggaber says
So many wonderful memories going to the Rampart casino every Tuesday for the buffet.
Eisbrenner Family eisbrer@yahoo.com says
Our sincere condolences to John’s family. May cherished memories and earnest prayers bring comfort for the family and friends at this difficult time. Something that we have found to be of great comfort are the thoughts expressed in John 5:28 “all those in the memorial tombs will hear his (Jesus) voice and come out “. The death of a loved one is extremely painful but have faith in God Jehovah’s promise of a resurrection. May the God of all comfort give strength and his love to each of you.
Anonymous says
I miss you already!
Bob Eaton
Connie Dunham McCormick says
My love and prayers to all the Krekling family who I have known for more than 70 yrs.
May John rest in peace with our Lord and may his memory be a blessing.
Henning, Ginny & Carlo Henningsen says
Very sorry to just hear the news. Your dad was a very special guy, Carlo really enjoyed his friendship while working with him for all his years at Postorino and afterwards. Wishing you strength in this difficult time and big hugs.
Connie Dunham McCormick says
My love and prayers are extended to the Krekling family, who I have known for over 70 years. May John rest in peace with the Lord and may his memory be a blessing to all.
Charles C Jones says
I send my Heartfelt Condolences to the Krekling Family. John was such a wonderful man I always enjoyed our conversations together at Waxdale. Along with John and Tim. God Bless!
Josh and Suzanne Kristopeit says
Krekling Family,
So sorry for your immeasurable loss. Keeping you all in our hearts and thoughts.