Frank Michael Krepelan

Racine- Frank M. Krepelan, 86, passed away peacefully at his daughter’s home on Wednesday, August 2, 2006 following a courageous battle with cancer. A lifetime resident, Frank was born in Racine on August 8, 1919 to the late Michael and Gertrude (nee: Foldesy) Krepelan. A graduate of Washington Park High School, he faithfully served our Country with the United States Army in WWII. On May 15, 1943 in Holy Name Catholic Church, Frank was united in marriage with the love of his life, Irene Ruffalo, who preceded him in death on April 19, 1979. Frank was employed by A and E Manufacturing for over 43 years, retiring as production control manager in 1984. A devote man of faith, he was a lifetime member of Holy Name / St. Richard Catholic Church where he was active as an usher and a member of the Knights of Columbus. Frank was also a member / past-president of Kiwanis Golden K and the Wisconsin Slovak Historical Society. Blessed with a great gift of music, Frank had an incredible voice and enjoyed playing drums. He was a proud member of the St. Richard Adult Choir, the Racine Dairy Statesmen, Racine Musicians Assn., and played the drums in various bands for many years. A member of the Lincoln Lutheran Auxiliary, Frank volunteered countless hours at Lincoln Lutheran and Ridgewood Care Centers visiting and helping residents with craftwork. In his rare spare time, he liked to bowl, travel on Racine’s rustic roads, and go fishing in Florence County. Above all, Frank cherished time spent with his entire family, especially his 3 precious granddaughters, who were responsible for putting the twinkle in his eye. Surviving are his loving daughter and son-in-law, Geralyn “Gerri” and John Mandli of Racine; granddaughters, Tricia and Nicole Mandli of Milwaukee, and Jennifer Mandli of Eden Prairie, MN; future grandson-in-law, Jeremy Koenen of Chanhassen, MN; sister, Sylvia (John) Hipsley of Dunkirk, MD; many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, other special relatives and friends too numerous to mention by name. In addition to his parents and beloved wife, Frank was preceded in death by his brothers, Mike (Elizabeth) and Paul (Alice) Krepelan; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; and by his longtime dear friend, Bernie Yost. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, August 5, 2006 10:00 am in St. Richard Catholic Church, 1503 Grand Ave., with Rev. Brian G. Mason officiating. Entombment, with military honors, will follow in the chapel of Holy Cross Mausoleum. Visitation will be in the funeral home, 4600 County Line Rd., on Friday from 5-7 pm and at the church on Saturday from 9:15 – 10:00 am. In memory of Frank, memorials to St. Richard’s Parish has been suggested. A heartfelt note of thanks to Dr. Richard N. Odders and staff, and to everyone at Vitas Hospice for the compassionate care and support that was so warmly extended to Dad and to our family. God bless all of you!