Benjamin "Ben" Kregel

Benjamin F. Kregel, 82, died Monday, January 27, 2014 under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services at Mount View Care Center, Wausau. He was born August 25, 1931 in Wausau, son of the late Harvey and Mary (Davis) Kregel. On December 27, 1953 he married Mary Kuntz at Trinity Lutheran Church, Wausau. She survives. Ben worked at the American Can Company as a millwright, and later for the Department of Natural Resources in Tomahawk. Ben was an avid fisherman and hunter. One of his bucks is recorded as a Boone and Crocket trophy. As a teenager, Ben earned his private pilot's license by helping out at the Wausau airport to earn flying time. Still as a teenager, Ben was selected to represent the local chapter of Civil Air Patrol Cadets to travel to Switzerland and learned to fly gliders in the Alps. Later he was active in the Experimental Aircraft Association and QB's. He eventually earned a commercial pilot's rating. He served his country as a staff sergeant in the United States Air Force in Germany and Morocco in the early 1950's. Ben was active in politics and volunteered to fly candidates like Rep. Dave Obey during campaigns. Gov. Tony Earl asked Ben to serve on the Bingo Control Board. Later, as commercial gaming was introduced in Wisconsin, he was again asked to serve by Gov. Earl and later Gov. Thompson on the North American Gaming Regulators Association; serving as national treasurer. Survivors include his wife, Mary, Wausau; son, Thomas (Ekua) Kregel, Lake City , MN; Daughters, Lisa Kregel, and Donna Kregel, both of Bloomington, MN; grandchildren, Steven (Kristen) Kregel, Suan Kregel, and Sacha Kregel, all of Bloomington, MN. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant brother, Harvey. Ben was a devout Lutheran. Memorial services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 8, 2014 at Saint Andrew Lutheran Church, 3200 N. Mountain Road, Wausau. Rev. Craig Swenson will officiate. Friends may call Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of services all at the church. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com