Saukville, WI – Norbert John Krautkramer, 93, of Saukville passed peacefully while sleeping on September 26, 2024, at Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee, surrounded by loving family.
Norbert was born on December 12, 1930, in Random Lake to Frieda (nee Giese) and Robert Krautkramer. At the birth, Frieda was ill with a terrible strain of flu and died weeks later on February 28, her 28th birthday. Baby Norbert wasn’t expected to live, but the extraordinary love and care of his Aunt Hilda Krautkramer and daughters pulled him through.
Norb grew up in rural Beechwood, a quiet boy with a shy smile, always wearing one-pocket bib overalls. He milked the cows every day before breakfast; there was always a lot of work to be done on their dairy farm.
He treasured memories of his Grandpa Giese, who brought little Norbie along when he played sheepshead, who gave him his own bicycle and at Christmas time, decorated a tree with popcorn, oranges, and other special treats that the children took turns taking until the tree was bare.
Norbert graduated Plymouth High School in June 1948, with special studies in farming. He joined the army in January 1949, serving for 3½ years. For one full year, he fought as an infantry soldier on the front lines of the Korean War. Here he earned silver star and purple heart honors among others. He married his sweetheart Evelyn (nee Adamczyk) 69 years ago on October 1, 1955, which he often said was the smartest thing he’d ever done.
Norb was a true outdoorsman; his favorite pastimes included raccoon hunting with his hounds, deer hunting, fishing, ice fishing, beekeeping, gardening, foraging for hickory nuts and morel mushrooms. One of his biggest dreams was to hunt a bear, which he proudly achieved in 2006.
What made Norbert so special, among many things, is how deeply he enjoyed the simplest things: Evie’s home-cooked meals; Sunday afternoon family sheepshead games; cozy winter evenings alongside the wood stove sipping a little schnapps, shelling hickory nuts or working a puzzle. His gentle nature afforded him a rare connection with animals. In one instance, he spoke gently to a frightened cat, and minutes later, the cat sought him out and jumped into his lap.
He lived a good and full life. He always worked hard, fixing what needed to be fixed and doing what needed to be done. He never questioned if a thing could be done, but just made things happen because they simply had to be done. He was a good and kind man, with an unfailing sense of humor and easy nature.
One time, the phone rang, and he although he didn’t recognize the guy, Norb spent nearly an hour talking before they both figured out it was a wrong number. He chuckled and didn’t rush to say goodbye. And that is how he will live in our hearts, with a smile, and no rush to say goodbye.
Norbert is survived by his wife, Evelyn, children Steve (Teri), David, Lee (Patti), Lorie, special niece Tania McKeever, stepsister Betty (Graham) Jones, grandchildren Gary (Polina) Krautkramer; Angela (Ken) Weigend and great-grandchildren Jillian and Genevieve; grandchildren Eric, Christine and Clarisse Krautkramer, step-granddaughter Catrina and step-great-grandson Jayden, and more loving nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Norbert entered Heaven to be joyfully united with his mother Frieda and his firstborn infant son Gary Robert. Also preceding him in death are his brother LeRoy and his wife Fran; stepmother Lois (nee Melius), stepbrother Roger, brother-in-law Graham (Betty) Jones, and additional in-laws Esther (James) Retzer, Ruth (Joe) Primas, George, Ralph and Leo (Carol) Adamczyk.
The visitation for Norbert Krautkramer will begin Friday, October 4, 2024, at 11:30 a.m., to be followed by a funeral service at 12:30 p.m., then light refreshments, both at Myrhum-Patten Funeral Home in West Bend. A graveside service with Military Honors will take place afterward at Holy Trinity Cemetery in Newburg.
Memorials in Norbert’s name should be made to people’s preferred charities in lieu of flowers.
For additional information on Norbert Krautkramer, or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.myrhum-patten.com
