Philip J. Krezinski

Philip James Krezinski, age 87, of Beaver Dam, was unable to support his big heart, and passed away from congestive heart failure on Good Friday at Agrace Hospice in Madison. Philip was born on March 1, 1928 in Beaver Dam to Nicholas and Gertrude (Soda) Krezinski. After graduating from Beaver Dam High School in 1946, he began his life-long career as a caregiver at age 20, following the sudden passing of his father in 1948. He then cared for his mother and young brother Nicholas who was only 10. Philip married Angeline Wild on September 8, 1951 and were happily married for 63 wonderful years. That’s right, 63 great years! Phil and Angie raised four children; Stephen (Dawn) Krezinski, Debbie (Jerry) Hoch, Sharon (John) Westenmeyer and Patricia (Michael) Heider. Phil was proud to retire from Kirsh Foundry in 1990 after 42 ½ years as the core room foreman. Phil loved to bowl and back in the day, regularly carried an average of over 200. Phil spent his retirement years crafting beautiful wooden toys for his grandchildren and great grandchildren, and playing scrabble with his wife. As he would say, “gotta stay sharp”. Phil could spend an entire morning chatting with friends at the grocery store. He umpired baseball at the Beaver Dam Rec. League and was a life-time member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, now known as St. Katharine Drexel Parish. He served frequently as an usher, on church council and giving communion to the home bound. Phil spent his entire life in Beaver Dam volunteering with Angie for Meals-on-Wheels and serving funeral luncheons at church. Phil was a Packer and Badger fan and a big fan of his grandchildren’s sporting events. Phil’s nine grandchildren are Sarah (Kevin) Yarbrough, Erica (Paul) Ferrini, Julie (Jordan) Kroll, Andrew (LeeAnn) Westenmeyer, Rebecca (Steve) Westenmeyer, Jacob (Samantha) Westenmeyer, Brandon Heider, Mitchell Heider, and Riley Philip Heider. Other surviving relatives include Nicholas (Marlene) Krezinski, Gilbert (Marge) Wild, 15 great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; several other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Myrtle (Robert) Schoenberger. Safe travels now dad, you’re the precious cargo. The visitation will be at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church, 511 South Spring Street, in Beaver Dam on Thursday, April 9, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:50 a.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Thursday at 12:00 noon with Fr. Michael J. Erwin officiating. Burial will be at St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery in Beaver Dam. If desired, memorials in Philip J. Krezinski’s name may be made to the Diabetes Association, St. Jude’s Hospital or to a charity of one’s choice. The Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is caring for the family. To leave online condolences, or for directions and other information, please visit our website at www.KoepsellFH.com.