John "Jack" William Krebs, age 83, passed away on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at The Meadows in Fall River. He was born on September 15, 1942, in La Crosse, Wisconsin, to George and Arlene (Bruring) Krebs.

Jack grew up in La Crosse, where he developed a love for the outdoors, often hiking the La Crosse bluffs and enjoying the beauty of the area around him. He graduated from La Crosse Central High School in 1960. Not long after graduation, Jack's life changed in a way he never could have expected. While out on a joy ride with friends, a group of young ladies caught their eye. What began as a simple chance encounter soon became the start of a lifelong love story. Among them was Marilon Jean Nelson, who would become the love of Jack's life. In December of 1963, Jack and Marilon eloped and were married at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Caledonia, Minnesota. From that day forward, they built a life together rooted in love, commitment, and devotion. Marilon was not only Jack's wife, but his partner, his steady companion, and the person with whom he shared life's greatest joys, challenges, and memories. Their love became the foundation of the family they created together, and the bond they shared remained one of the most meaningful parts of Jack's life.

His lifelong career in sales began at a young age, selling gladiolas from his red wagon. He later transitioned into delivering the La Crosse Tribune as a daily paperboy. After getting his foot in the door at the La Crosse Tribune, Jack launched his career in advertising sales, accepting a position with another Lee Enterprise newspaper and relocating with Marilon to Ottumwa, Iowa. At this time, his two sons, David and Paul were born. Jack later accepted an advertising sales position in Madison with Madison Newspapers, where he worked until his early retirement in 1984.

In retirement, Jack continued to stay active and involved. He held a motor carrier position with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and later delivered the Wisconsin State Journal, work that often required long, late-night and early-morning hours. After years of keeping an unconventional schedule, Jack decided he was ready for something that allowed him to work during the day and spend more time enjoying a normal rhythm of life. With that in mind, Jack and his good friend Jim Cisewski founded a handyman company, serving residents on Madison's North Side. It was a fitting next chapter for Jack that allowed him to stay busy, use his skills, help others, and work alongside a friend while keeping a schedule that better suited the life he wanted in retirement.

Jack had a strong interest in investing and the stock market, which led him to establish a stock club where he could connect with friends through monthly meetings held at the Esquire Club. In addition to his financial interests, Jack, the "Godfather of All Leisure Activities," found relaxation by fishing as often as possible with friends and family. This included a three-month sabbatical and numerous trips to Canada and northern Wisconsin. Over the years, he hunted in Wyoming and Colorado, as well as throughout the Midwest for various wild game.

Jack also had a generous heart and a passion for helping others. While attending a men's retreat, he found a renewed sense of purpose through the Holy Spirit. This led to his involvement with food pantries and homeless shelters throughout Southern Wisconsin. Needing a way to support his substantial giving, Jack became skilled in the art of couponing, using it as a practical way to help provide food and necessities for those in need.

Some of his other hobbies included going on road trips, thrifting, attending auctions and collecting rocks, coins, and stamps. He also took pleasure in playing Euchre, listening to music, and betting his luck on the blackjack table.

Despite his many hobbies and interests, nothing meant more to Jack than his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were truly the pride and joy of his life, and he made it a priority to be present for them in every way he could. Whether it was attending school events, sporting activities, family gatherings, or simply showing up to spend time together, Jack was always there with a smile, ready to support, encourage, and be involved. His six grandchildren never had to question his love or dedication. He showed it through his presence, his consistency, and the joy he found in being part of their lives. To Jack, being a grandfather was one of his greatest honors, and the memories he created with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren will be treasured always.

Jack is survived by his wife, Marilon Krebs of Fall River; his two sons, David (Kimberly) Krebs of Rio and Paul (Susan) Krebs of Deerfield; six grandchildren, Carrie (Adam) Poster, Zackary (Cassandra) Krebs, Samantha (Brian) Shields, Megan Krebs, Ryan (Emma) Krebs, and Jacob (Morgan) Krebs; ten great-grandchildren, Harper, Charlotte, Brooklynn, Madelyn, Mason, Jackson, Landon, Kaia, Brian, and Lane; along with many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his aunt Kathryn Krebs, and his sister, Nancy Buldhaupt.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 11:00 AM with visitation beginning at 9:30 AM, at Faith Lutheran Church in Columbus, Wisconsin. Reverend Andrew Perger will officiate.

As a tribute to Jack's passion for helping provide food for the hungry, the family asks that each person in attendance bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to the Faith Lutheran Food Pantry.

Memorials may be made to the Faith Lutheran Food Pantry or to the Alzheimer's Association in support of his family's Walk to End Alzheimer's team, The Memory Marchers. http://act.alz.org/goto/thememorymarchers

A special thank you to the staff at The Meadows of Fall River who cared for Jack throughout his journey with dementia as well as the caregivers of Generations Hospice during his final days.

The family encourages you to share your online condolences at jensenfuneralandcremation.com.