Keith John Kreps

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Kreps, Keith John On Tuesday, August 19, 2014, Keith John Kreps passed away at home at the age of 59, surrounded by family and friends, following an almost 3 year battle with an undiagnosed disease that slowly took away his ability to move, and finally, to breathe. Keith was born to Kathleen (Phoenix) and John Kreps on December 4, 1954, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He grew up in Mauston, Wisconsin and graduated from Mauston High School in 1973. He attended the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse and graduated with degrees in finance and accounting in 1979. He was President of the Finance Club and a TA for the head finance professor. Upon graduation, he began his career in the automotive industry, in management and fleet leasing. He created and was president and CEO of two successful fleet leasing and vehicle management companies, Velcor Leasing and Ultea/ALD, USA. In 1994, while continuing to manage his other business interests, he and his wife, Wendy Kreps Peterson, started Pro-Techs Dealer Services, LLC, an ancillary insurance business. In 2008, after the sale of Ultea, he joined Wendy at Pro-Techs and together they successfully grew a thriving business. Keith was a man with many great passions that he loved to share with friends and family. He was an avid sailor and enthusiastic world traveler. His favorite trips were those taken to the Caribbean with his wife and daughters, Nicole and McKenzie. Keith loved new technology and gadgets, boats, beer, talking business, the magic of Christmas and the joy of so many incredible friendships. Keith also loved to support his community by preparing food and serving the homeless at Thanksgiving and buying gifts for families in need at Christmas. Above all, Keith's greatest passion was his family. Keith was lucky to be married to his soul mate, Wendy, the love of his life, for 16 years. He was also blessed to have two wonderful daughters that brought light and love to his life as he watched them grow into the incredibly special young women that they are today. Keith's love of life and sense of humor will live on. His signature smile - open-mouthed with silent laughter coming out - will always be remembered by his family and the countless friends that he leaves behind. Keith is survived by his beautiful wife, Wendy Kreps Peterson; his wonderful daughters, Nicole and McKenzie Kreps; his sister, Kathleen Lang; parents-in-law, Sharon and Chuck Peterson; long-time close friends, Grant (Sarah) Frautschi; Julie (Jon) Feller, Frank (Sue) LeClair; Mark (Neleta) Numbers; Warren (Brenda) Ajax; Roger (Terri) Bjork; Roger Putnam; Dr. Robert Thompson; Andrew Lewis; and so many others too numerous to mention who were there to offer help and support during this difficult time. The family would also like to thank Raven Faulker, Ryan Jennings, and Allie Eggers, who worked tirelessly to help meet Keith's needs, and have become a part of their extended family; along with UW Lifesaving, Dr. Toby Campbell, Agrace Hospice Care, UW Hospital Nursing Staff, Nancy Hoenish and GHC. A celebration of Keith's life will be scheduled at a later date. "I wasn't here for a long time, just a good time." Keith J. Kreps. Donations may be made to Keys to Travel, a Keith J. Kreps Foundation, a non-profit organization that gives scholarships to students wishing to study abroad, c/o Attorney Dave Gorowitz, Neider & Boucher, S.C., POB 5510, Madison, WI 53705-0510. Cress Funeral Home and Cremation Service 6021 University Avenue Madison, Wi 53705 CressFuneralService.com

Published on August 22, 2014