Bruce David Krenke passed over to Jesus’ side on April 28th, 2024 very unexpectedly at Neenah Theda Care at the age of 60.
Bruce was born on Dec 1st, 1963, the first son of Darwin and Donna Krenke. He was raised on a farm in Rural Fremont, WI. Bruce was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran church and had a strong faith in the Lord. He graduated from Weyauwega High School in 1982. He then continued on to FVTC in a career in Automotive field.
Bruce loved the outdoors and could be found with a fishing pole in his hand or in his car at anytime. Most of his fish were thrown back into the water! He enjoyed fishing at Pony Creek in Tustin just for the fun of it and relaxation.
Another great love of his was the Milwaukee Brewers. He would love listening to Bob Uecker and kept track of every game and the players. Bruce didn’t get to a game this year, but we are sure he is watching from way up high.
His ’67 VW bus was a pride and joy of his, he did many a tour to Grateful Dead concerts with his best friends. He was planning on retiring soon and refurbishing that old bus to run smooth again. His buddies and him once on a road trip broke down on the side of the road. They took the engine out and repaired it with the spare parts found in a storage compartment in the van!
Bruce was an avid dart player for many years. He enjoyed shooting darts and playing softball after work and on weekends, he was also state dart champion several times.
Bruce’s career started at Team Behm – Volkswagen in Appleton. Soon he went onto Bergstrom Automotive (Enterprise Motor Cars), he was hired as their first and has been their only parts manager for over 30 years. He hired & mentored many young men & women. He will be missed dearly by his team, his general manager Dawn & many customers over the years, but we know his legacy will live on in them all.
Bruce is survived by his mother Donna Krenke, siblings Vicki(John), Brian, Timothy and Kristin. Nieces Heidi and Amy, nephews Daniel (Lana), Joshua, Aaron, Jordan (Abby), Nathan, Benjamin, Brock and two great nieces Lydia and Chloe. Even though Bruce never married or had children of his own, he was the best uncle you could ask for and was affectionately known as “Poogah” to all of them. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins. Many more friends, also including special friends Jenny, Herb, Juggy and Lana.
He was proceeded in death by his father Darwin in 2017 and grandparents Theodore and Laura Krenke, Kimble and Eunice Romberg, aunts, uncles and cousins.
We will miss him dearly.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 4 at 11 AM at St. John Lutheran Church, 8580 37th Ave, Fremont. Pastor Paul Mose will officiate. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 3, at Lewin Funeral Home, 210 W. Main, St. Fremont, from 4-7 PM and on Saturday, at the church from 9AM until the time of service.
A memorial fund had been established for St. John’s church or school and Fox Valley Lutheran High School.
Special thank you to all the ThedaCare ICU staff and the organ and tissue team for caring for Bruce during this difficult time for our family.