Charles Kreager

Charles “Charlie” Kreager, 99, of Wausau passed away on Monday, April 16, 2018 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

He was born November 26, 1918 in Glandon to the late Ernest and Jesse (Kent) Kreager.  Charlie grew up on his parent’s farm in the town of Hewitt.  Whether it was chasing the deer, he never shot too many, making fire wood or cooking Maple syrup, Charlie loved being outdoors. He enjoyed people especially his family of whom he was very proud.  In his later years, when he couldn't get around as good he enjoyed spending time with family and friends just talking about the old days.  Trust me when your 99 that opens it up to a lot of conversation.  He also enjoyed reading and after he retired resumed knitting that he had learned as a child. No TV in the twenties so they learned to knit for excitement.  Charlie served his country during WWII, as a soldier in the U.S. Army Infantry from 1941-1945.  A few years after returning home, he was set up on a blind date with Carol Janz and the rest is history.  They were married on June 14, 1952 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Wausau and last year celebrated 65 years of marriage just before Carol's passing last year.  While Charlie worked at Wausau Iron Works, they both kept busy raising their nine children.  In their free time, Charlie and Carol loved to go dancing, listening to Polka music and the sounds of the Big Bands.

Charlie may have seemed a bit gruff at times, but was a “softie” around the grandbabies.  Charlie never met a stranger whom he couldn't carry on a conversation with and just could enjoy people as they were.

He is survived  by his children, George (Bernadette) Kreager, Deborah (Grant) Daniels, Catherine (Albert) Kovatch, Mary (John) Kitzrow, Steve (Sheri) Kreager, Tom (Marge) Kreager, David (Connie Perger) Kreager, Susan Hedrick, and Dan (Ericka Kohn) Kreager, 15 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and his sister, Gretchen Nienow.  Charlie was preceded in death by his wife, Carol, sister, Ruth and four brothers, Milton, John, George and Tom.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Monday, April 23, 2018 at Holy Name of Jesus Parish, 1104 S. 9thAve., Wausau.  Father Peter Kieffer will officiate.  Visitation will be from 4:00 PM until 7:00 p.m., Sunday at the Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St., Wausau.  Visitation will resume at 10:00 a.m. on Monday at the church until the time of service.  Entombment will be at Restlawn Memorial Park Mausoleum.  Full military honors will be performed by the American Legion Montgomery-Plant-Dudley Post #10.  You may sign our family guestbook at  helke.com.