Bernard Kreye

Bernard Charles Kreye passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 27 at the Kindred Acute Care Hospital in Greenfield, WI, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on Dec. 16, 1927 in Wabasha, MN, to the late Henry and Mary (Loechler) Kreye. Bernie was educated in a country school near Wabasha and later attended high school in town and then served with the United States Army at the end of World War II. He married Marcine (Befort) on April 30, 1955. They lived in Waukegan, IL and started a family. They later resided in Beach Park, IL. Bernie worked for the Waukegan Water Department until J.W. Peterson Plumbing asked if he would like to become a plumber. He enjoyed plumbing and later worked for Krejci Plumbing in Skokie. Bernie worked in many hospitals and schools in northern Illinois. He was a member of Plumbers Local Union 93. Bernie loved children and served on the Cub Scout committee for Pack 68 and later was Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 79 in Beach Park, IL. After he retired he enjoyed making wooden furniture for family and friends. He is survived by his loving wife, Marcine; five sons, Jeffrey (Linda), John (Diane), Daniel (Sharon), Gregory (Debbie), Charles (Cindy); two daughters, Lori and Julie and thirteen grandchildren, Rebecca, Matthew, Kimberly, Timothy, Karolyn, Katelyn, Jayna, Colton, Sarah, Amy, Jennifer, Tiffany and Andrew; seven great-grandchildren; two sisters, Helen (Robert) Robelia and Lavina Dilger; one brother, Richard (Cornetta); sister in-law Florence Roemer and brother in-laws Alvin and Tony Befort and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by six brothers and three sisters. Visitation will be held Thursday, Sept. 29, 2011 from 4:00-8:00 pm at the Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Rd., Zion, IL. He will return to Wabasha, MN for visitation, mass and burial on October 2 and 3.