Francis W. Krentz

• Memorial visitation will be held on Friday May 9, 2025 at HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME 16880 W. National Ave. in New Berlin, WI from 11 am until the time of service at 1:00pm.

Krentz, Francis (Frank) W.

Francis W. Krentz, age 93, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2025 at Aurora Zilber Family Hospice in Wauwatosa, WI.  Francis was born on March 20, 1932 in Westfield, WI, son of Willard and Merna Krentz.  He graduated from Westfield High School.  On October 3, 1953 he married Hally J. Swader and had one daughter, Kari.  Together they shared 41 years of marriage before Hally’s passing on July 18, 1994.

Francis was a hardworking man and was employed as a laborer mastering the trade of a “Plasterer” before retiring in 1995.  On August 25, 1995 “Frank” married Irene Ovokaitys in Milwaukee and instantly became a stepfather to Irene’s six children.  Shortly after, they moved to Lake Havasu, AZ which they enjoyed for 5 years but decided to return back to their roots and family settling in Watertown, WI.  After Frank’s health started to fail, they moved to an assisted living facility in New Berlin, WI.  Together they enjoyed 29 years of marriage.

Francis enjoyed a variety of pastimes over the years like playing softball, bowling, fishing, dancing, playing cards and going on gambling bus trips.  He was a social person and loved visiting with friends and family, watching UW Badger sports, Green Bay Packer games and the Milwaukee Brewers.

He will be remembered by his family and the many friends he made throughout the years, as a very kind man with a sense of humor, and warm, caring heart.

Francis is survived by his loving wife Irene Ovokaitys-Krentz; his daughter, Kari (Bill) Hilgendorf of Wisconsin Rapids, WI; two grandchildren, Michael Long of Deforest, WI and Heidi (Fran) Socha of Appleton, WI; three great-grandchildren, Danica and Gia Long and Blake Socha; two sisters, Virginia (Dennis) Barber of Dayton, OH and Kathy (Gene) Schiller of Waukesha, WI; six stepchildren, Jane (Mark) Zalewski of South Milwaukee, WI, Patricia (Clark) Kinney of Palmer, AK, Tom (Donna) Ovokaitys of Cedar Springs, MI, Jim (Lucy) Ovokaitys of Milwaukee, WI, Paul (Cindy) Ovokaitys of Muskego, WI and Dan (Dawn) Ovokaitys of Oconomowoc, WI;  13 step-grandchildren and 14 great step-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the many neighbors, caregivers and medical staff who assisted Frank in his time of need.

Memorial visitation will be held on Friday May 9, 2025 at HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME 16880 W. National Ave. in New Berlin, WI from 11 am until the time of service at 1:00pm.

If so desired memorials to the American Heart Association greatly appreciated.

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Heritage Funeral Home

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