"Katie and family, our hearts are with all of you at this time. May you find strength in the fond memories of your father. "
Gordon M. Krenn, a reporter and editor associated with news media in Madison and Milwaukee, before turning to public health communications, died Thursday, July 11, of complications of heart disease and advanced age. He was 92.
In the late 1940s and early 1950s, Krenn worked in Madison, first preparing news reports for WIBA radio and then serving as a reporter for the Capital Times newspaper. At the Capital Times, his reporting included extensive early coverage of the then growing opposition to live-animal experimentation at the University of Wisconsin's Primate Research Center. That opposition continues today. He also was part of the newspaper's team that covered the 1952 Republican National Convention in Chicago, which chose Gen. Dwight Eisenhower as its Presidential candidate.
In the mid-'50s, Krenn joined WTMJ-TV in Milwaukee, where he served for a decade on the station's news-writing staff. His work there included producing reports on Milwaukee's protest-plagued early freeway development, the emergence of civil rights protests in the city, and the assassination of President Kennedy.
Krenn then went on to write and edit a series of public health medical journals. In the work he felt was most meaningful, he served in a series of roles related to Lutheran Church initiatives seeking an end to racial segregation in Milwaukee.
Gordon Moritz Ervin Krenn, the only child of Anthony and Selma Krenn, was born April 18, 1921, and raised in Milwaukee, near Borchert Field, where he spent many summer afternoons during his youth taking in baseball games featuring the old minor-league Milwaukee Brewers.
During World War II, he joined the U.S. Army Air Forces and served as a bombardier aboard a B-17 aircraft, the Ice Cold Katie, which was part of the U.S. Eighth Air Force unit based at the RAF Thurleigh airfield near Bedford, England. Following his war service, he attended the University of Wisconsin, where he received bachelor's and master's degrees in journalism, in part motivated to do so by the then Shirley Boerner, who dragged her feet accepting his marriage proposal until he had those diplomas within his grasp.
Survivors include Shirley, his wife of 66 years, along with five children and their families: Kathleen (Lawrence Hass) Krenn and their sons Christopher (Joanna) and great-grandchildren Mason and Liam, and Daniel (Courtney) and great-grandchildren Rowan and Eleanor; Gregory and his son Joar; Elizabeth (Rick) Klimas and their children Jessica (Brian), Jason (Ann), Joshua and Jodie; Michael (Linda) and their children Caitlin (Erin Daly), Samuel, Chelsea, Anna, Gabriel and Nicole; and Katherine (Rick) Caroselli and their daughter Hokulani. Additional survivors include cousins Ed Kanz and Elroy Krell, along with sisters-in-law Ann (George) Brown and Shirley Boerner, brother-in-law Donald (Pat) Boerner, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Krenn was a longtime resident of Brookfield, and later of Port Washington.
Memorial services will be held at 11AM on Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at Open Door Bible Church, 3420 Hwy LL in Port Washington. He will be laid to rest at Graceland Cemetery in Milwaukee. The family will receive visitors at the church on Wednesday morning from 9:30-11:00AM.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Milwaukee College Preparatory School at 2449 N. 36th St. Milwaukee, WI 53210. The Eernisse Funeral Home, Port Washington, is honored to be serving the family. Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com .
"Katie and family, our hearts are with all of you at this time. May you find strength in the fond memories of your father. "
"Love, prayers, and may you all have happy memories. "
"Katie and family! We are thinking of all of you. What a wonderful man your father was to so many loved ones across generations. With our deepest sympathy and love. "
"Thinking of you and your wonderful family. The stories Jodie has told me are unforgettable. "
"Katie, Shirley, and everyone else in the family. I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your wonderful father. Your dad was a special man and will always be remembered. Growing up a close friend of Katie, Gordie was always there to welcome me in the house, ask how I was doing, and talk forever but I didn't mind a bit :) Right Katie? I will keep your family in my prayers. Love you all , Cindy Witcik"
"Shirley, family and friends. My deepest condolences. Gordon hired me at the Lung Association for my first job out of college. I remember him as a friendly, cheerful and professional man. He always had time for an answer for me. I am pleased to note that he lived a long life surrounded by a wonderful family. "
"Please accept my deepst sympathy. I had the pleasure to work with Gordon at the Saukville Wal-Mart. Every time he was greeting, I knew it would be a good day. Always so pleasant, his quiet way and for sure, his smile. I am sure you and all who knew him will miss that and more. Sincerely, Deb Johnson"
"I want to express my condolences. Sorry for the families loss and you're in my thoughts and prayers in these tough times. "
"Shirley & family, I was sorry to read the obituary in the Sunday paper. It is amazing that Gordie lived to a ripe old age of 92 knowing his earlier health problems. You were so lucky to have each other for so many years. Even though he lived a full and long life it is still hard to see him go. May your warm memories and your faith in Jesus Christ give you comfort at this sorrowful time. Jim and I now live in Louisiana and just happened to see the obituary while we were in town. "
"I remember Gordon well. He was a delivery driver for us for awhile. He had told me about his being a bombardier in World War 11. I thought that was amazing. He had a wonderful life as I see. I lost track of Gordon, but Chuck Rinn would keep me posted. This was many years ago, but I will never forget Gordon. He was a gem. I am very sorry for your loss. Carol Mitchell (mgr Pizza Hut ret.)"
"Dear Family and friends of the deceased, I am very sorry for your loss, losing a loved one is a devastating event in one's life. We all want to spend our lives with those we love, and death gets in the way of that. In the bible god promises us everlasting life on a paradise earth and a chance to see our dead loved ones again. (Revelation 21 verses 4, 5) God also said that nobody will say I am sick (Isaiah 33:24) You see, all of us have a chance to live endlessly and perfectly with no ailing diseases or bad people on a paradise earth. I hope this has comforted you, and may your loved one rest in peace. "