Donald Wayne Kreye

Donald Wayne Kreye, 91, died peacefully on May 25, 2025, at his home in Marco Island, Florida, with his wife at his side. Since 2015, age 82, Don suffered from many major illnesses, but recovered each time, enabling him to continue living an active lifestyle. In later years his health gradually declined, taking a major turn in the last week.

Don was born on August 30, 1933, to Louis and Frances Kreye, in Wabasha, Minnesota. When he was young, the family moved to a farm in rural Ellsworth, Wisconsin. He graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1951 and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in the fall of that year, serving four years of military service.

He married Beverly Jean Sanford on June 2, 1956. They would have been married 69 years this June. They were blessed with five children, Jeff, Julie, Tammy, David and Steven, who died as an infant.

Don was employed as a customer service manager in 1956 for the Farmers Union Central Exchange, a farm supply company in South St. Paul, which later became known as Cenex. They lived in St. Paul, Minnesota, until 1960. They moved to a small 40-acre farm in Ellsworth, so Don could pursue his hobby of raising beef cattle, as well as continuing his job in nearby South St. Paul.

In 1967 they purchased 40 acres of land near Ellsworth, where they built the home where they raised their family, and he continued his hobby of raising beef cattle. A company merger enabled him to retire from Cenex at the age of 52 in 1986. This provided lots of time to explore many national parks and travel abroad a number of times. As time passed, with more time spent in Florida, his cattle raising hobby ended, and the 40 acres was developed into a residential community of about 20 homes.

In 1994, after Bev’s retirement from her preschool, Little Folks’ Learning Center, which was operated in their home, they purchased a condo in Marco Island, Florida, living there until the present. They spent summers in Wisconsin and returned there for many special occasions and Christmas holidays, to enjoy time with family and friends.

Don enjoyed an active outdoors’ lifestyle. Pastimes included fishing, gardening, playing cards, bowling, music, dancing. Don and Bev liked hiking on mountain trails and scenic waterfront walkways; boating on the Mississippi River, Marco River and Wisconsin lakes; and when in Florida, a daily walk on Marco Beach. They enjoyed meeting friends for cocktail hour. Quality time with family and friends, both in Wisconsin and Florida, were always a highlight.

Don was loved by many for his kindness, thoughtfulness and consideration of others. He was known for being a friend to everyone, with a fun-loving personality and a great sense of humor. He was a peaceful man, always wanting to get along with everyone.

He was preceded in death by his parents Louis and Frances Kreye, mother and father-in-law Ethel and William Sanford; one son, Steve Donald; one brother Richard Kreye; in-laws Karen Kreye, Bernadine Kreye and Virgil Kreye, Robert Sanford, Elroy and Norma Sanford.

Don is survived by his wife Beverly; children Jeff (Sherry) Kreye, Marco Island, FL, Julie (Don) Klecker, Ellsworth, Tammy (Greg) DesLauriers, Ellsworth, and David (Barb) Kreye, New Richmond, WI. Siblings: Robert Kreye, Sharon (Harold) Bischel, Kenny (Mary) Kreye, Margie (Al) Gross and sister-in-law Reta Sanford. Grandchildren: Angela (Gabe) Shockey, Bretton Kreye, Christy (Tom) Bellstrom, Laura Klecker, Michael (Julie) Klecker, Matthew (Carolyn) Klecker; Sara (Ty) Reis, Ally (Jon) Stoffer, Jonathan (Cambell) Kreye; bonus grandchildren Ivon Valentine, Anthony (Joanne) Levy and Triston (Carolina) Levy. Ten great grandchildren: Tristan, Nolan and Reagan, Jackson and Abigail, Emerson, Eric and Lucas, Colton and Luella, Laken and Sage. Bonus great grandchildren: Jaqi and Julian, Alyvia and Arya, Giovanni and Ava.

Funeral Mass will be Saturday, June 7, 11 a.m., at St. Francis Catholic Church, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment, immediate family only, will be at the Clayfield Cemetery following the service. All are welcome to a Celebration of Life from 1-5 p.m. at The Ridgetop, W10516 U.S. 10, Prescott, WI.

The Marco Dementia Respite Program and Naples Avow Hospice Program provided tremendous support and loving care. National Cremation Society, Naples, FL, were entrusted to handle the arrangements. What amazing organizations to help us through such a difficult time. Our thanks to all.