Mr. Russel L. Kriwanek

March 25, 1925 - September 5, 2017

Russel L. Kriwanek, Allouez, passed away September 5, 2017. He was born March 25, 1925 in Denmark, WI, the son of the late Louis and Josephine (Bartelme) Kriwanek. He attended Denmark High School and entered the military service shortly thereafter. He served in World War II as an Army Engineer in both the European and Pacific Theaters. He was selected as a WWII Veteran for the Honor Flight to Washington D.C. in 2009. On August 5, 1948 he married the love of his life, Bette Koss in Green Bay, WI. and the couple enjoyed over 62 years together. Bette preceded him in death on December 21, 2010. Russel was an award winning Press Photographer for 39 years. He worked at the Manitowoc Herald Times, Decatur Herald and Review, and 28 years at the Green Bay Press Gazette. He was a lifetime member of the Wisconsin Press Photographer Association. Russ was chosen to cover the first two Super Bowls as a Press Gazette photographer. He was a finalist in the Green Bay Packer 2008 fan Hall of Fame. The US Post office chose one of Russ’s photos for the Vince Lombardi stamp. He and Bette were long time members at Saint Matthew’s Catholic Church where he ushered on Sunday’s for many years. In his lifetime, Russ was a Village Board Trustee in Denmark, Assistant Chief of the Denmark Volunteer Fire Department, member of the Allouez Volunteer Fire Department, and Scoutmaster of Denmark Troop 52. He was Vice-Commander of Post 363 of the Denmark American Legion. He was also a member of the Denmark VFW. He was proud to be instrumental in the establishment of the Veterans Memorial Park in Denmark. Russ was a long-time member of the Green Bay Curling Club where he served as President and Treasurer. In 1989 Russ served as Media Chief at the World Curling Championship in Milwaukee. He was Secretary & Treasurer of the Wander Springs Senior Golf League. In 2001, he hit a hole-in-one and it was the highlight of his golf life. He is survived by two sons, Jeff (Tammy) Kriwanek, Green Bay; Fred (Sue) Kriwanek, Downers Grove, Illinois; a daughter, Tracy (Will) Hoppe, Green Bay; and three grandchildren; Corrine and Nicole Kriwanek and Kristopher Sandmann, ; one sister-in–law Lori (Robert) Kriwanek, Hilton Hill Island, South Carolina; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Bette, one brother and sister-in-law Robert J. (Penny) Kriwanek, one sister and brother-in-law Marilyn (Lee) Tikalsky. Gathering of family and friends will be held from 9:00 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. on Friday, September 15, 2017 at Saint Matthew Catholic Church, 130 St. Matthew Street, Allouez. A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 A.M. with Rev. Bob Kabat officiating. Immediately following the service in honor and recognition of Russ’s military service full Military Honor Rights will be held. Burial will be at All Saints Cemetery in Denmark. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to St. Matthews School Athletic Fund, Unity Hospice or Denmark American Legion Post 363.