(262) 653-0667
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
Emil “Bud” Kreger Jr., age 94, a lifelong resident of Kenosha, passed away on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at Brookside Care Center surrounded by loved ones.
Bud was born on November 13, 1929 in Kenosha, WI to the late Emil and Margaret (Heinz) Kreger. He is survived by his three children, Connie Kevek, Laura Kreger, and Fred Kreger; five grandchildren, Jerry Kevek, Fred (Kelly) Kevek, Robbie Kreger, Birdie Kreger, and Fritz Kreger; four great grandchildren, Kyleigh, Keighden, Juliana, and Ashley.
In 1950, Bud enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and proudly served for three years. He was honorably discharged in 1953 with the rank of Tech Sargent (Gunny). These were very enjoyable years for him and he remained a proud Marine for the rest of his life. Semper fi Gunny.
After completing his time in the service, Bud returned home to work in the family coal business with his father and two uncles. As the use of coal declined, he transitioned to cement finishing and learned to build houses. In his spare time, he built seven houses, completing the last one in 1997 where he lived until his death.
Over time, he began to have knee problems, so he left the family business to his two brothers and entered the world of banking. Bud went to work for the First National Bank of Kenosha in 1965 as a clerk in the loan department. With a gift for numbers and a strong work ethic, he steadily moved up in the bank and became a branch manager in 1971 when the bank assigned him the task of establishing a brand-new branch in Bristol, WI. With his down to earth personality and engaging people skills, Bud built the branch into the largest branch of the bank. Over the years, Bud helped many, many people and businesses to meet their needs and pursue their dreams through his caring and skillful abilities as a banker. After 26 years with the bank, he retired as Vice-President and Branch Manager in 1991.
A hard worker since childhood, he filled his retirement years by building one last house and working for 15 years at Brighton Dale Golf Course, first as a ranger and then as club house manager. In his spare time, he spent many enjoyable hours cutting the grass, filling his yard with brick projects, and making his rounds to building sites to watch the men and tractors at work.
In 1962, he married Kay (Tennessen) Kreger, and they spent the next 30 years together. Years later, Bud met Carole Miller, who remained his “special friend” for the remainder of his life. They shared many special times together, including road trips and family get togethers.
In addition to his parents and wife, Bud was preceded in death by his siblings Eddie, Fred, Dorothy, Teddy, Gil, Gene, John, and his granddaughter Katie Kreger.
The family would like to thank the staff of Brookside Care Center and Hospice Alliance for the care they provided to Bud over the last four months.
Funeral services and full military honors for Bud will be held on Monday, February 19, 2024 at Crossway Community Church (13905 75th Street, Bristol, WI). The visitation will begin at 12 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 2 p.m. Interment will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery (21731 Spring Street, Union Grove, WI). In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Honor Rifles Of The Kenosha Area Vietnam Vets. Donations by check can be made out to K.A.V.V.
Mon - Fri: 8AM - 4PM
(262) 653-0667
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
Kenneth B. Tennessen says:
Bud, you were a great brother-in-law. R.I.P. Ken& Florice
Joe Tennessen says:
Bud, I know that you made life easier for me many times and for that I am eternally grateful. Like my brother said “you were a great brother-in-law”. R.I.P. dear friend. Joe Tennessen
JEFFREY A TILIDETZKE says:
I valued your friendship and was proud to call you friend. The American Heroes Cafe will miss you. Rest in peace.
Kathleen Hansen says:
Sending condolences to the Kreger family. Bud was a good friend to my father Richard Hansen as he transitioned to Brookside. May he rest in peace.
Mary DeFranco says:
REST IN PEACE MR. KREGER. YOU WERE ALWAYS VERY KIND TO ME WHEN WE WORKED AT FIRST NATIONAL.
Bonnie Kreger says:
Bud, I always felt privileged to have you as my brother in law. John always looked up to you and had great respect for you as did I. You will be truly missed.
Prayers to the family.
David Bellovary says:
Bonnie,
John always spoke highly of his brother, Bud. I only met him a couple of times with John. Sorry for your loss. I hope you are doing well.
Jon Lyons says:
As Chaplain for the Sons of The American Legion Squadron 21 in Kenosha Wisconsin, i’d like to say thank you for your service and God bless you, your family and your friends. You’re all in my prayers. Just remember he was a gift from God and knowing him was even a bigger gift. 🙏🏻🫡
Brian Kevek says:
Mr. Kreger was one of my parents great friends that I always looked up to!! Mr. Kreger was an awesome man that helped so many people over the years!! I loved talking with him at family events! He was a true example of being a GREAT person!! Hugs and Prayers to everyone mourning his loss!!
God Speed Mr. Kreger!!!!!
Chris and Arlene Lober says:
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Frederick, Connie, and Laura as well as your families as you mourn the loss of and remember your father and grandfather.
We had the privilege of getting to know your Dad over a number of years. While you all may have heard the many stories he had to tell numerous times, to us, they were always interesting. He was willing to share his life experiences and varied interests in a way that displayed his work ethic throughout his life. Your dad epitomized what it meant to be a part of the greatest generation.
May you be comforted and find the strength you need as you move forward without your earthly father…
“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who HOPE IN THE LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
-Isaiah 40:28-31 NIV
Know that you are in our hearts and prayers during this difficult time.
With love,
Chris and Arlene Lober
Dr. Brad Smith says:
My very profound condolences to all of Emil’s family and friends. While at First National he was our family’s banker for years. He will be missed by so many and never forgotten by those of us that were helped by his professionalism and friendship. Yes, he was a Marine to the end. Rest In Peace.