Thomas Kreager, age 85, of Merrill, passed away Thursday, March 5, 2015 at Bell Tower Residence. He was born July 25, 1929 in Antigo to the late Ernest and Jessie (Kent) Kreager. Thomas and Elaine Ponik were united in marriage on August 13, 1949 in Milwaukee.
Thomas was a truck driver and forklift operator for Motor Transport Co. He enjoyed many hobbies such as painting ceramics, playing cards and assembling puzzles. Thomas made many beautiful stained glass projects and displayed them proudly. He enjoyed woodworking and loved to do carpentry work whenever he had the time. Thomas loved joking with people and often made his neighbors at Bell Tower laugh. He enjoyed listening to polka music.
Survivors include 2 daughters, Karen (Paul) Werner of Eagle River and Kathleen (Arthur) Sommers of Menomonie, WI; 2 sons, Kenneth (Diane) Kreager of Merrill and John Kreager of Weston, WI; 4 grandchildren, Thomas Laven of Merrill, Tracy (Steve) Swistak of Millwood, NY., Lisa (John) Manke of Appleton, WI, and Robin Werner of Eagle River; 8 great grandchildren; sister, Gretchen Nienow, Wausau; and brother, Charlie (Carol) Kreager, Wausau, and many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Elaine, on October 21, 2008; three brothers and one sister: Walter Kreager, John Kreager, Ruth Januz and Milton Kreager.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Monday, March 9, 2015 at Holy Cross Chapel at Bell Tower. Bob Schneider will officiate. Visitation will be from 10 AM until the time of service Monday at Bell Tower. Burial will follow in Calvary Lutheran Cemetery, town of Pine River. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to Wounded Warriors. Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.