Ervin A. Krenn

Ervin A. Krenn, age 87, formerly of Bangor, passed away March 14, 2011 at his home with his wife and family by his side. Erv was born November 14, 1923 in Oconto, Wisconsin, the son of John and Bertha Krenn. He lived in Chicago until his family moved to Decatur, MI when he was a teenager. He served in the US Navy Reserve from 1943-1946, earned his Bachelor's Degree from Tri-State College, and a Master's Degree from Western Michigan University. He married Joyce Wilson of Dowagiac, MI in 1948, and they resided in Bangor until her death in 1982. Erv pursued several different careers during his lifetime, including teaching, piloting and accounting, prior to opening Krenn Clothing and Shoes in Bangor, which he owned and operated for 18 years. After closing the store, he built and expanded the Krenn Bridge Companies, a supplier of timber bridges to counties in Michigan and several other states in the southeastern part of the US. Erv will be remembered for his love of life, his sense of adventure and strong work ethic. He worked hard and played hard. His passions were flying, fishing, his boats and socializing with friends. He married Sandy Gainey on July 6, 1982. They resided in Bangor until 1994, then lived in the Kalamazoo area, also wintering in Hutchinson Island, FL for the past 16 years. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Joyce Krenn; brothers, Bob and Ben; and sisters, Ruth, Violet, Elva, Mildred and Dorothy. He is survived by his wife, Sandra Krenn of Vicksburg; sons, Mark (Kate) Krenn of Jacksonville, FL, Bob Krenn of Mattawan; daughters, Karen (Steve) Wilson of Aiken, SC, Laurie Cole of Richland, Julie (Ken) Miller of Kalamazoo; stepchildren, Tina Wilson of Indianapolis, IN and Tamra (Don) Puckett of Vicksburg; grandchildren, Jennifer (Keith) Granzow of Bridgman, Jeanette (Rich) Erdmann of Midland, Trace, Brady and Lily Puckett, Max and Bella Wilson; and great grandchildren, Madison and Morgan Granzow, Ryan, Rachel and Jillian Erdmann. The family offers a special thank you to his private nurse, Debra Jo Miller, for the consistent and compassionate care she provided to Erv and his family. The family will meet friends Thursday 11 AM - 1 PM at the BANGOR CHAPEL, D. L. Miller Funeral Home, where services will follow at 1 PM. Interment will follow at Arlington Hill Cemetery, Bangor. Following the services you are welcome to join the family for refreshments at the South Haven Yacht Club. The family suggests memorials to Lending Hands of Michigan, Inc.; 5350 Ivanhoe Ct.; Portage, MI 49002.

Ervin A. Krenn

November 14, 1923 - March 14, 2011