Henry "Boots" Kreke

Henry “Boots” Kreke, 74, of New Baden, died Thursday, April 6, 2017 at his home. He was born April 3, 1943 in Belleville, the son of Henry and Justine, nee Bruns, Kreke. He married Judith Ann Griesbaum on November 19, 1966 at St. George Catholic Church in New Baden and she survives in New Baden.

In addition to his wife he is survived by a son, Robert (Chrissy) Kreke of New Baden; a daughter, Lisa (Jon) Gunn of New Baden; four grandchildren, Josh (girlfriend, Jessica Falk) Gunn, Danielle (fiancée, Kody) Elliott, Dylan Kreke, and Dakotah (AKA Sweet Pea) Kreke; a sister, Adele Schaefer; and a brother, Vernon (Lois Sinkler) Kreke; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, Paul Kreke; and two sisters, Agnes Lugge and Vivian “Toots” Jansen.

Mr. Kreke retired from the New Baden Wilbert Vault Company. He was a member of St. George Parish in New Baden; a past member of the New Baden Jaycee’s and the Moose Lodge in Mascoutah. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, cutting grass, farming, tractors, and spending time with his grandchildren.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at St. George Catholic Church in New Baden with Rev. Gene Neff officiating. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in New Baden.

Friends may call Monday, April 10, 2017 from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Nordike Funeral Home in New Baden and again on Tuesday, April 11, 2017 from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. at St. George Catholic Church in New Baden.

Memorials may be made to Battling for Brody and will be received at the funeral home or church