Our dad, Wesley Arthur Krupke, has entered the kingdom of Heaven, where’s he no longer “too old” to drive and he can be in the ears of snowplow drivers everywhere to let them know if they’re doing an adequate job. He passed away on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at Azura Memory Care in Monroe.
Born June 18, 1932 to Arthur and Ruth (Sweeney) Krupke, Wes grew up helping his dad and mom on farms in the Gratiot, South Wayne and Monroe area. He attended Monroe High School and enlisted in the US Army in 1952, serving his country in Okinawa and Korea until his honorable discharge in 1954.
He married our mom, Dorothy Irene Pfeuti, of Albany on March 27, 1955 at Zwingli United Church of Christ in Monticello; they had 44 years together until her passing in May, 1999. Wes was a dairy farmer in the Albany area, where he and mom instilled in us the value of a strong work ethic. After the farm, he worked for Kranig Construction, Green County Highway Department and Albany Township, where he served on the board for many years. After retiring (but not really), even in his 80s while living at Twining Valley, he was happiest if he was outside string-trimming weeds, filling flower boxes and helping the other residents with odd jobs.
He enjoyed deer hunting, foraging his woods for morels and black raspberries, bowling, golfing, gardening, reading, the occasional trip to the casino (where he seemed to be quite lucky), feeding/watching birds and visits from his family. But what he really enjoyed was meeting and talking to people— seldom did he go anywhere without knowing someone to talk to and striking up a conversation with those he didn’t. He was a member of Zwingli UCC, Albany EMS, Moose Lodge and Monroe Lions.
Wes married Gwendolyn Leuenberger of Monroe in 2006. In addition to Gwenie, he is survived by his five children, Linda (Al) Bosman of Sheboygan Falls, Ron (Lynn Novak) of Albany, Jan (Bill Dehn) Krupke of Monticello, Sharon Buri of Browntown and Marcia (Scott) Riddle of Madison; grandchildren Ben (Jessica) Bosman, Alayne (Scott) Krause, Cole (Raychl Hart) Krupke, Craig (Amber) Krupke, Casey (Bri) Krupke, Katie (Jake) Neild, April Buri, Adam Buri, Brandon (Barbie) Buri, Anne Perry and Jessica (Brandon) Carnahan; and 13 great-grandchildren. He is further survived by two sisters: Shirley Sacker of DeLand, Florida and Delores Vogel of Mount Horeb; brother-in-law Albert (Karen) Pfeuti of Albany; nieces, nephews, other relatives and Gwenie’s extended family.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy; sister and brothers-in-law: Betty (Delbert) Soddy, Nathan Sacker and Robert Vogel; and son-in-law Bryan Buri.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Zwingli United Church of Christ, 416 E Lake Ave, Monticello, WI 53570 or a charity of your choice.
A committal service including military rites will be held on Saturday, Sept. 7 at 11:00 a.m. at Albany Hillcrest Cemetery, followed by a memorial service led by Pastor Mary Gafner at 12:00 pm at the Albany Lions Club. Following the service, a time of fellowship to celebrate Wes’s life will be held until 4 p.m., with a light lunch being served.
Shriner Hager Gohlke Funeral Home is assisting the family.
