Mark Raymond Krupp of Mukwonago, WI, was called home by his Lord and Savior on September 14, 2023, at the age of 72.
Mark is survived by his loving and devoted wife Jennifer Kann-Pape; sons Nicholas Krupp, Lucas Krupp (Annette DeRosiers); step-children, Jordanne Waldschmidt (Nathaniel), Corey Pape (Whitney), Kirsten Marx (Cody); three grandchildren, Gordon and Clara Pape, and Shay Marx; his siblings, Judy (Mike) Krier, Linda Lee (Gordie) Bartlett, Kathy (Bruce) Otte, Joanne (Ron) Bolz, and Michael (Jenny) Krupp; his godchildren, Michael Krupp, Heidi Jo Bartlett, and Hannah Krupp; his in-laws Germaine and Mike Kann, Fred Kann, Shelly Kann-Hall, and Derick Kann, his nieces and nephews; numerous friends; and his forever, faithful companion, Katt O Lena Sundance Haus Von Krupp, “Katt” … “and so on and so forth,” as Mark would say.
Mark grew up in Holy Cross, WI, graduated from Ozaukee High School, and then attended the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, pursuing a degree in Business Administration and Economics. He continued his education and later took business classes at Harvard University. Mark had an extensive employment history--beginning at Krier Foods Canning Factory in Random Lake, which led him to Seattle, WA, and “did I tell you about the time I lived in Kodiak, AK?” It was his move to Racine when he started his manufacturing career with Jacobson Textron Industries, Ganton Technologies, and was a partner of RESK Consulting as Chief Operating Officer. Mark traveled globally, managing companies in China, Czechia, France, Spain, Germany, Canada, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Mexico, and across the United States. When he was recently asked about his greatest accomplishment, he replied, “finding Jesus.” He met so many people over the years and made lifelong friends. He wasn’t afraid to strike up a conversation with strangers at the airport, the checkout line, at the hospitals, or parents and volunteers at Willow Creek Ranch, and he “didn’t forget much of anything or anyone.” “Hey, you know that guy from … what was his name?”
Mark will tell you, “I’m just a dumb ole country boy from Wisconsin,” but he was so much more to so many. Mark was a mentor, dedicated supporter and devoted CEO (Chief Equipment Operator) of Willow Creek Ranch, a member and volunteer at Fox River Christian Church (where he also sponsored two young boys living in Kenya), North American Versatile Hunt Dog Association-Brew City Chapter, WISILL Hunt Retriever Club, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, and American Quarter Horse Association. And in his college days he was a professional snowmobile racer for Bolens. Mark enjoyed life to the fullest, never slowing down for a moment. In his “free time” he would tell you, “nothing is free, you gotta work hard” and don’t tell him something is cheap, “it’s inexpensive.” He enjoyed training and showing his dog, Katt. He took hunting trips to the Dakota’s, enjoyed fishing in Canada, spending time with family and grandkids, going up north to his cabin, riding ATV trails, motorcycling, going golfing, and always putting other’s needs before his own. Mark was an avid runner, he finished multiple Ice Age 50-mile runs with his brother-in-law Gordie. He was also a gardener and loved canning and sharing his veggies, even building a small cart for Nick when he was young, to sell veggies from. He was a wonderful cook, barbeque rib maker, and animal lover. When he wasn’t coaching youth sports he was a very passionate fan, yelling “advice” to his kids, and biggest fan of Nick and Luke in all the sports they played. Mark was a planner, a woodworker, a builder of many things, and if he couldn’t fix it, it was OK because, “they make new ones everyday.” He was a project manager and multitasker, often saying, “daylight’s a burning,” which was your hint to pick up the pace and get movin’!
The past year was a long, hard fought battle with pancreatic cancer, “it is my window to eternity,” as he would say. “It is what it is,” and trying to get into a clinical trial study wasn’t for himself, but “to help someone else.” Helping him through his health struggles, we offer a special thank you to the medical staff, Oncology team, Emergency Room team, and everyone at ProHealth Care, Mukwonago and Waukesha, and AngelsGrace, Oconomowoc; and to everyone who called, sent text messages, cards, or stopped by to visit, “THANK YOU!” Mark finally realized just how much he was loved and appreciated.
A celebration of Mark’s life will be on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at Fox River Christian Church, S46W24130 Lawnsdale Road, Waukesha, WI. Visitation will be from 9:00-11:00am, the memorial service will begin at 11:00am, followed by lunch.
In lieu of flowers, Mark would like you to make a donation in his memory to Willow Creek Ranch Equine Assisted Services. https://www.willowcreekranch.org/
