Eric Thomas Kropfreiter

Eric Thomas Kropfreiter (11/18/1948 – 5/19/2024)
Eric was the devoted and loving husband of Ann (Whiteley) for 51 years. Ann was and always will be the epicenter of his legacy. Loving father of Dawn (David J.) Mann; Scott (Melissa), Steven (Nicole), and Keith (Cameo) Kropfreiter. Proud grandfather of David A., Gavin, Madison, Michael, Elizabeth, Brendan, Joseph, and Nathaniel. Loving son of the late Joseph and Josephine Kropfreiter. Youngest brother of Joyce (Al) Graves and Lawrence (Suzanne) Kropfreiter. Cherished brother-in-law and friend to Neil (Peggy), Lynn, Robert (Carol), Judy, Margaret Whiteley, the late Joseph (Leslie) and the late William Whiteley. Survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and friends always interested in what "Uncle Eric" was up to.
Eric was born in Detroit, Michigan and lived his days building the character and passion that will live on for generations. Eric married Ann, the love of his life, on November 24th, 1972 and changed our world forever. Eric and Ann sacrificed much for their four children, setting the standard of unconditional love and stressing the importance of family. Their grandkids are a testament to their dedication and commitment to family.
He enjoyed that there was no problem, project, or situation that, given the right amount of research and planning with family, could not be resolved. Eric had a devout and reliable army of "fixers" and the "Dupa Brothers" that consistently proved nothing was impossible. Eric loved spending his summers at their cottage in Lexington surrounded by his family and friends. Lexington provided a getaway to forget the complexities of life and indulge in fishing, golf, bonfires, and the beach with family, friends, and loved ones.
The Christmas season officially began when the Lionel train was chugging around the tree. Christmas decorations, Halloween decorations, and Easter baskets were an event that everyone anticipated each year. It instilled tradition that his children and grandchildren will continue to carry on.
Eric spent 44 years at Blue Cross Blue Shield and met many colleagues that he remained in touch with until his final days. These colleagues weathered the day-to-day storms of a career and more importantly became lifelong friends.
Eric was a devout Detroit Tigers, Lions, and Red Wings fan. He understood every season was a roulette wheel of disappointment which generated many colorful discussions about how he knew the solution to fix them.
Eric leaves behind a legacy of commitment to family; always. He is now watching over all of us offering his opinion, even if we can't hear it, and it's probably the right one. Heavy hearts are to be expected but please do what Eric would want most. Be kind, help everyone, work hard, and love your family.
Visitation on May 29th from 3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. with a 7pm Scripture Service at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons, Inc., 36900 Schoenherr at Metro Parkway (16 mile). Instate on May 30th from 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. with Mass promptly starting at 9:30 a.m. at St. Blase Catholic Church, 12151 Fifteen Mile Road (east of Dodge Park).
As an alternative to flowers the family is also accepting donations to have a memorial planting or bench in the Lexington area in Eric's honor and remembrance.
Share memories with the family at their "On-Line Guestbook" @ WujekCalcaterra.com