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 Sergeant (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 and John, and his much adored 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 12:00PM, followed by a memorial service at 2:00PM. Interment will be held at 10:00AM 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 may be made out to K.A.V.V.