William Kenneth Declute

William Kenneth DeClute, of La Crosse, passed away on Thursday, September 25, 2014 at Benedictine Manor, surrounded by his family. He was born on November 14, 1931 in Chicago, Illinois to Silas Jacob and Henrietta “Sally” (Sherman) DeClute. Bill married LouElla (Strassburg) on March 17, 1950 and they later divorced. Bill served in the U.S. Navy from 1951 to 1954. He was a chief petty officer. His classification was HTCS. Bill loved the Navy and was proud of his service. He was also in the Naval Reserve for twenty eight years, retiring in 1979. Bill worked at Gateway Transportation, Erickson Bakery and Mack Truck. In his free time he worked on different wood projects, making many beautiful pieces of furniture. He also was an avid golfer, enjoyed bowling, playing cribbage and spending time with family.
On January 15, 1982 Bill married JoAnn (Hansen) Kruck at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in La Crosse. Together they enjoyed traveling and family. In his earlier years he was very active in Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts, having served as Scout Master for a number of years.
Bill is survived by his wife JoAnn, a son Gary William DeClute of Madison, WI, a daughter Janet Marie (Jim) Tapp of Winona, MN, step-sons David (Jane) Kruck of Wilmington, IL, Daniel (Lynn) Kruck of La Crosse and Michael (Valerie) Kruck of Dubuque, IA, four grandchildren Jennifer (Jake) Tenn of Wilmington, IL, David Allen (Lynette) Kruck of Braidwood, IL, Jacob Kruck and Samuel Kruck both of La Crosse, four great grandchildren Hanna & Conner Tenn and Finnegan & Oliver Kruck, a sister-in-law Ruth Ann West of Kenosha, WI, nephew Burrell DeClute along with other nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by half-brothers Ralph, Harry, Marshall DeClute and brother-in-law Dale “Doc” West.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, September 30, 2014 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Pastor Harald Bringsjord will officiate. Military honors will follow the service. Burial will take place at a later date. Friends may call at the church on Tuesday from 10 AM until the time of service. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, the Parkinson’s Foundation or Mayo Clinic Hospice. Schumacher – Kish Funeral & Cremation Services, La Crosse Chapel is assisting the family.