Joseph William Kreis

On October 6, 2025 the trumpet was sounded & the gates were opened as Heaven gained a new resident.

Joseph W. Kreis passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his wife, children, grandchildren, and Tucker, his dog.

Joe was born on August 22, 1943 in Milwaukee to his loving parents, Ray and Mary (nee Ricica) Kries. He had three siblings, Maryann Baertlein, Raymond Kreis, and Janet Dymale.

Joe was a student of West Bend High School’s graduating class of 1961, where he met his high school sweetheart, Janie Ripple. They got married on May 4, 1963 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Barton & were married 62 and a half years. Together they lived in West Bend, (Wisconsin), Fort Dodge,(Iowa) and East Grand Rapids,(Michigan).

They have 3 daughters; Kelly Shanovich, Jodi Mayer and Mary (Sean) Geniesse. Together Joe and Janie have 9 grandchildren; Hailey Shanovich (Galen Berquist), Jake Shanovich, Spencer Shanovich, Logan Mayer, Carter Mayer, Macy Jane Mayer, Jack Geniesse, Justin Geniesse, and Ella Geniesse.

Joe was honored to serve in the US Army National Guard. Joe was well known for his mechanical intelligence, his devotion to his family, his work ethic, and his contagious sense of humor. He enjoyed the Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, and Nascar. He made it point to attend every school event and activity that his kids and grandkids participated in.

Joes always worked in manufacturing in some capacity. He started out as a Tool & Die Maker and throughout the years, he progressed to Vice President and General Manager of MA Gerett in Menomonee Falls, (Wisconsin). Coincidentally, MA Gerret was housed in the old Stopar Steel building where his father, Rav, had been a machinist many years prior. At Gerett Products, Joe became the Vice President and General Manager of 400 employees, and he was a mentor to many.

However, his ultimate and favorite job was his last career move. He became the owner of a small CNC Shop in Menomonee Falls called Snow Tool & Die Machine until his retirement. Joe loved owning his own business. It was a family affair as his wife, Janie, ran the office and Joe ran the shop.

Another loved member of Joe’s family was his miniature poodle, Tucker, who was his constant companion. When Joe’s health started to decline, Tucker became hyper-vigilant and became his personal caretaker & watch dog. Tucker stated glued to him until the very end.

In addition to his parents, Joe is preceded in death by his older brother, Raymond, his younger sister, Janet Dymale, his brother-in-law, Lee Baertlein, his amazing in-laws, Herb & Myrtle Ripple, and his sister-in-law, Mary Pat Ripple Gundrum.

Joe’s life was the epitome of a well-lived life. He was very successful in his career, and this happy, hard-working, beautiful man with his big brown eyes, dimple in his chin, and joy in his heart was absolutely adored by his family. To know him was to love him.

Joe had private services with the wonderful Dan Schroeder from St. Mary’s Church officiating. His burial was at Washington County Memorial Park. His final resting place is just a few gravesites away from his sister, Janet Dymale.

The family would like to thank Dr. Steven Holcomb, Dan Schroeder, Father Brady Gayne & Deacon Waddell of St. Mary’s Church, Horizon At-Home Hospice, Grafton Aurora Hospital, and Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service.

Additional information and guest book can be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.