Louis Bertrand "Bert" Krekel Jr.

Louis Bertand "Bert" Krekel, Jr. 78, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, curiosity, and love.

Bert was born May 13, 1947, in Louisville, Kentucky. A proud graduate of Trinity High School, Bert went on to study at Bellarmine College, Indiana University, and the University of Michigan. Although he was proud of all of his schools, his heart belonged to Michigan-he was a loyal Wolverines fan through and through. Everything he owned was usually decked out in Michigan blue and maize, and could often be heard shouting "Go Big Blue!"

Bert dedicated over 40 years of his life to Factory Mutual as an engineer, working in Chicago, Toronto, and Detroit. Even in retirement, Bert couldn't sit still-he continued consulting for another decade.

Known to family and friends as "Beeje," Bert was kind and generous. Proud of his faith, he was a longtime member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bert Krekel, Sr. and Florence Fowler Krekel, and his brother-in-law, William Nault.

He is survived by his loving sister and devoted caregiver, Mary Kathleen "Kathy" Nault; his niece and nephews: Chris (Heather) Roberts-Nault, Heather (Mike) Bridwell, and Joel (Shawn) Nault; and his great-nieces and nephews Annabelle, Caitlin, Lillian, Jackson, and Cooper Roberts-Nault, and Luke and Ryleigh Bridwell. He also leaves behind many other relatives and friends who will forever remember his warmth, humor, and unwavering kindness.

Visitation will be Sunday, August 17, from 2:00–5:00 p.m. at Ratterman Brothers Funeral Home (3711 Lexington Rd, Louisville, KY 40207). A funeral mass celebrating Bert's life will be Monday, August 18, at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church (501 Cherrywood Rd, Louisville, KY 40207).

Donations may be made in his memory to the Crusade for Children or the Wounded Warrior Project.