Obituary of Donald Angelo Krenos

Donald "Don" Angelo Krenos, age 81, of Yankton, passed away Saturday, March 8, 2014 at Avera Sister James Care Center, Yankton, SD following a brief illness. Don was born February 14, 1933 to George Krenos and Grace (Schildt) Krenos in Sioux Falls, the youngest of three children. He lived in Sioux Falls with his parents, sister and brother, and attended schools in Sioux Falls. Don served in the Army during the Korean War where he was stationed in West Germany, and while serving, visited Holland and France. Don married Doris Maxine Anderson on May 27, 1956 in Sioux Falls, was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, and a resident of Yankton since 1964. Don began a long career in the retail grocery industry, continually advancing his position until he retired. He enjoyed spending time with his family, grandchildren and friends, performing community service work, fishing, hunting, and he was an avid reader in his never-ending thirst for knowledge. Don loved God, his country, and the American flag. Don attended the Dale Carnegie speaking training course, and was actively involved in local service organizations, including the American Legion, the VFW, the Yankton Chamber of Commerce, the Optimist Club, and Kiwanis. He served at numerous dinners and banquets, including the Vegas Fun Night, and recently received his 14-year pin from the American Legion for his service as a go-getter by delivering groceries to the elderly, disabled, and shut-ins. Don's loving and generous spirit will continue to touch lives. His wishes were to have his body donated to the University of South Dakota for medical research. It was his desire that when he passed on, if he could help improve or even save someone's life by whole body donation, we would honor and respect his wishes. We, as a family, are comforted in our loss knowing others will be given a second chance thanks to his precious gift. Don is survived by his wife of 57 years, Doris; his six children, Cheryl (Paul) Mackrell of Green River, Wyoming; Karen Peterson of Normal, Illinois; Cyndee Krenos of Plymouth, Minnesota; Kevin (Rhonda) Krenos of Chaska, Minnesota; Kristi Krenos of Green River, Wyoming; Cathy Wilber of Edmond, Oklahoma; brother George "Bob" (Nila) Krenos of Marinette, Wisconsin; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Don was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Mary Jeanne Doherty. A private memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2014 at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home in Yankton. To celebrate Don's life, the family is inviting his friends and colleagues to a luncheon from 2:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. on April 5 at the Hillcrest Golf and Country Club, 2206 Mulberry Street, in Yankton. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Don's name to VFW Post 791 or to the American Legion, both located at 209 Cedar Street in Yankton. Condolences may be mailed to Doris Krenos at 306 Golf Lane, Yankton, SD 57078.