Joseph Mitchell Kreklow

SUN PRAIRIE  --  Joseph Mitchell Kreklow, age 28, passed away on Tuesday, March 11, 2014, in a tragic car accident near Sun Prairie, Wisconsin.

This refreshing tall drink of water was born and raised a Portage boy.  He is the son of Russ “Hole” and Jackie “Yahka” (Kreklow) Stensrud.  When talking about his childhood, Joe often mentioned his fun family trips and his rebellious adventures with his lifelong friends.  Joe also loved watching sports and movies, playing video games, and simply being outdoors.  He graduated from Portage High School in 2004 and went to UW Baraboo-Sauk County.  After a year, Joe decided to move to Madison with a couple friends.  While living in Madison and going to school at MATC, Joe started dating his future wife, Kendra “Kdogg” (Roche) Kreklow.  Joe realized she was the one he wanted to be with forever.  They started hanging out at parties and gatherings.  After a year of being good friends, Joe pursued his feelings.  Kendra was hesitant at first, but with much persistence and a little alcohol, Joe convinced Kendra that he was the guy for her.  Their relationship continued for six years before Joe proposed on January 12, 2013.  The two were married later that year on September 21, 2013.  Joe began his career in computer networking as a student at MATC, while maintaining two bartending jobs in the area.  Joe was popular with both his coworkers and customers.  He made the best of the time he had.  He especially loved spending time with his loved ones.  Joe was a good hearted, fun spirited guy.  Anyone in his presence is now a better person for it.  True to his giving personality, Joe was a donor.  Whoever had the honor of receiving his gifts now has the privilege to continue sharing his love for life.

Joe is survived by his wife, Kendra;  parents, Russ and Jackie Stensrud;  siblings, Amber Stensrud, Ryan (Tiffany) Stensrud, and Jeff Stensrud;  nieces and nephew;  grandparents, David and Judy Kreklow.  He is also survived by in-laws, Lori Roche, Kyle Roche, and Kaycie Roche, and many other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Wilda and Melvin Stensrud, and his father-in-law, Tom.

Funeral services will be at 12:00 noon on Saturday, March 15, 2014 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Portage, with Fr. Gary Krahenbuhl presiding.  Inurnment will be private.  Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 14, 2014 at the Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage, and at the church on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.

Jofus, I will cherish you always and forever to the back of the moon.  Does it smell like pizza in heaven?