A. Bruce Kravis

Anthony Bruce Kravis (82) passed away peacefully the afternoon of May 29, 2025 at SSM Health St. Agnes Hospital in the presence of his loving family. He was born January 12, 1943 in Sault Ste. Marie, MI to John and Margaret (Bedore) Kravis. He attended Sault (Soo) High School and served in the Michigan National Guard. While growing up as a small boy, Bruce's father built a small ice rink in the backyard of the family home. This marked the beginning of a life-long passion for the game of hockey. During his school years, he would work at the family gas station while continuing to go after his hockey dreams. Bruce would grow in hockey playing for various travel teams in the AHA around the Soo. After high school he went on to play for the OHA Canadian Ontario Comets. Later, he had a short stint with the USHL Marquette Iron Rangers. At that time, he decided to join his best friend, Al Howard, and went to work for Great Lakes Dredge and Dock. This job and a semi-pro hockey tryout would bring him to Erie, PA. Eventually, Bruce met his wife Kristine Chiappazzi of 46 years. On December 5, 1971 Bruce and Kristine welcomed their son Bruce Anthony Kravis.
In 1966, Bruce was recruited to play for the Erie Lions. Over the next few years, he became one of the all-time greats for that era of hockey. For his contributions to local youth hockey, through the Erie Lions, Bruce Kravis Day was established on February 1, 1974. During 1968/69 season, Bruce sustained a career ending injury to his left eye. Bruce continued working for AMSCO (Steris Corp.) for the next 35+ years. This job would take him traveling throughout the United States and eventually settled in Atlanta, GA for the next 21 years. On May 18, 1979, Bruce and Kristine welcomed their daughter Kelly Lynne Kravis. In 1995, they would then move to Wisconsin where he would eventually retire.
Bruce demonstrated deep love for his family as a provider, teacher, and support. His main motivation was to make everything better for his family. Every house was expanded or improved. Every meal he prepared was a feast. Every vacation was filled with great memories with extended family. His favorite hobbies were fishing and watching the Detroit Red Wings.
Bruce is survived by his son Bruce (Kristina) Kravis and daughter Kelly (Jason) Hahm; 4 grandchildren James Kravis, Natasha Kravis, JD Hahm, and Hailey Hahm. He is also survived by brothers Michael "Mickey" Kravis and Raymond Kravis and sisters Elizabeth "Gail" Kuypers (Kravis) and Phyllis Harrold (Kravis); Great Aunt Marie Theresa Bedore Tietz, Sister-in-Law Marilyn Gebhardt along with his best friend Al Howard (70+ years) and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Bruce was predeceased by his wife: Kristine Chiappazzi Kravis; parents, Margaret and John Kravis; his brothers, Virgil and Thomas; his sisters, Barbara, Mary Jeannette, and baby Margaret Kravis from Michigan. Many Aunts and Uncles especially A. Joseph Tietz Jr. and Uncle Theodore Bedore.
Visitation: Bruce's family welcomes family and friends to a time of visitation at Our Risen Savior Catholic Church, N6499 County Rd. Y, Eldorado, WI. 54932 on Friday, June 6, 2025 at 10:00AM. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 AM. Bruce's family invites family and friends to join for the luncheon following mass.
Bruce will be laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery, 686 Fond du Lac Ave, Fond du Lac, WI 54935 after the luncheon, at 2 PM.