James Henry Kreklow

James Henry Kreklow, loving husband, dad, papa, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend, passed away at home on August 17, 2008 with his family holding him after a courageous battle with acute leukemia. Born on May 26, 1929, he lived his entire life and raised his family near Symco, WI, next to the homestead where he was raised. Jim was preceded in death by his parents Henry Kreklow and Elvira (Henschel) Kreklow. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Lois Mae (Nelson) Kreklow, his daughters and sons, Jelaine Kreklow, Bear Creek, Kimberlie (Darrell) Trout, Sandwich, IL, Michele Rivers, Greenville, Shawn (Michael) Gretzinger, New London, Kurt (Rita) Kreklow, Manawa and Hans (Melissa) Kreklow, Manawa. Twelve grandchildren, Levi and Kelsey Jo Rivers, Lindsay, Tyler and Alexis Trout, Garrhett and Ava Gretzinger, Andrew, Zachary and Kai Kreklow, Claire and Lane Kreklow. He is further survived by his brother, Forest "Butch" (Arla) Kreklow, Manawa, two brothers-in-law, Eric Strutz, Valmy, and Dale (Roger) (Ellie) Nelson, Pueblo, CO and two sisters-in-law, Marion Werth, Kaukauna, Rosella Gartzke, Shawano, and many special nieces and nephews, six of whom he was a special father figure to in their young lives and were always considered a part of our family. Dad was the greatest Dad and most wonderful Papa. Throughout his life, Jim loved baseball and played for many years for Symco, Bear Creek and Manawa. In his early years, he was scouted to play by the Chicago White Sox. He went on to coach and watch his daughters play softball. He was a constant spectator when sons or grandchildren played ball. A favorite past time of his, he rarely missed a baseball, soccer or football game. Jim was an avid sportsman who enjoyed fishing and hunting, especially white tail deer, turkeys, ducks, pheasants and geese. Jim never missed an opening day of trout season until 2008, when his illness kept him from enjoying opening day along with his grandson's first year. Jim was a lifelong member of the Manawa Fish and Game Club, enjoying trap shooting and the camaraderie of many friends. Jim believed in protecting and preserving wildlife and their habitats through memberships in many organizations with those goals. He was a lifelong member of the National Rifle Association. Jim was a horseman all of his life who enjoyed trail riding for many years and nurturing that love in his children whom competed in horseshows and Little Britches Rodeos. He rarely missed attending and enjoying the annual Manawa Rodeo and it's fair to say he lived his life in cowboy boots. A lover of nature in all regards, he avidly tended and spent countless hours in his beautiful flower gardens and cared for his regular attendees of birds to his various feeders throughout his yard. Jim had unconditional love for all, and willingness to even dress the part for those special "Tea Parties" with his Granddaughters. Jim enjoyed attending many Packer and Brewer games with his oldest son and grandsons. As Dad or Papa, he rarely missed a football, basketball, baseball game or track meet. He was our biggest fan and we were his. The most honorable truth to be said about Jim is he always gave a helping hand. He loved well and was well loved in return. This is his legacy. There are no words to express the loss of our dear Papa. Our hearts are broken. Never has there lived a kinder, gentler soul. After his diagnosis, he found a poem to express his feelings and left it in his special room where he spent time loading trap shells and perusing hunting and fishing magazines. My Friend Forever I know that it must be different, now that I am no longer here. I realize how much I was loved and how all of you did care. I know that it will be hard at first when you look around for me. Expecting to find me in my chair or beside my favorite tree. Someday you will begin to see, although it will take some time, the happy times you shared with me, the memories are yours and mine. I'll remember you, my family, and how much you meant to me. So please don't grieve and don't be sad, it was just my time to leave. Anonymous The angels are watching over you. Forever now a part of us, forever in the hearts of us. We love you and will miss you Dad and Papa. In lieu of flowers, the family has established a memorial fund to the Manawa Fish and Game Club in Jim's honor. If you wish to bring flowers, please pick a handful of wild flowers. They were Dad's favorite. A memorial service that will celebrate Jim's life will be held on Thursday, August 21, 2008 at 7:00pm at the Cline-Hanson-Dahlke Funeral Home in Manawa, with Chaplain Jim Frank of Theda Care at Home Hospice officiating. Friends may call directly at the funeral home on Thursday from 4:00pm until the time of the service. A private family memorial will be held at a later date.