July 7, 2026 – Margaret Ann Krebs (née Walter),103, passed away peacefully Friday, July 3, 2026.
Born on August 26,1922 in Loyal, Wisconsin, Margaret grew up on a farm as one of nine children. She learned early that there was always work to be done and carried her hardworking nature, quiet determination, and humility with her throughout her life.
Margaret married the love of her life, Norbert Krebs, on October 8,1949. Together they shared a life centered on family and dairy farming. They raised their three children—Herbert, Thomas, and Patrice—on the family farm, where working alongside one another shaped everyday life.
Nothing brought Margaret greater joy than watching her family grow through her 10 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
After retiring from farming, Margaret and Norbert enjoyed traveling, snowbirding in Florida, and pursuing hobbies they loved. Margaret loved quilting, crocheting, and making keepsakes that continue to be treasured by her family.
Her home was often filled with the scent of homemade apple kuchen and oatmeal raisin cookies, comforting meals shared around the table, lively games of Rummy and Sheepshead, and conversations about the latest Brewers game.
Margaret possessed a quiet intelligence and remarkable memory. She remembered birthdays, anniversaries, phone numbers, and stories from decades past with incredible accuracy.
She never missed a birthday or anniversary, whether with a handwritten card or a phone call, and family members often marveled that she recognized them the moment they simply said, “Hi, Grandma” over the phone.
On her 100th birthday, she proudly joked, “I’ve got a memory like an elephant,” and anyone who knew her knew it was true.
She lived on her own until shortly after her 103rd birthday, forming lasting friendships with those around her and remaining remarkably sharp until Jesus called her home.
More than anything, Margaret was the beloved matriarch of the Krebs family. She was a quiet, steady, and reliable presence—an anchor for generations of family.
She rarely spoke an unkind word, never sought recognition, and was content simply being with the people she loved.
Her warm smile, gentle spirit, quiet strength, and practical wisdom earned through more than a century of experience left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Margaret was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Norbert Krebs; her siblings: Mary (Mike) Weyer, Theresa (Jerry) Lentz, Ann (Jack) Wiczynski, Eleanor (Lyle) Berge, Dorothy (Bob) Weyer, and Franklin (Marie) Walter; and her brothers- and sisters-in-law: Ray Scharpf, Harold Krebs, Bernice Krebs, Eugene and Helen Krebs, Daniel and Mildred Krebs, Norbert and Beatrice Zangl, Lloyd and Annette Krebs, Joseph and Geraldine Krebs, and Jerome and Loretta Noegel.
She is lovingly remembered by her children, Herbert (Jacqueline) Krebs, Thomas (Patricia) Krebs, and Patrice (Gary) Knuth; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; sister, Clara Scharpf; brother, John (Kay) Walter; sister-in-law, Gertie Krebs; many nieces and nephews; and countless friends whose lives were enriched by knowing her.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Ivy Manor Assisted Living, especially Emily, for the kindness and care they provided during Margaret’s final months.
Margaret’s legacy lives on in the generations she anchored, the traditions she passed down, and the love she quietly shared throughout her 103 years.
Visitation will be on Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. at Holy Angels Catholic Church, 138 N. 8th Avenue, in West Bend with a Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 11 a.m. Burial will take place on Monday, July 13, at St. Lawrence Catholic Cemetery, at 10:00 a.m.
Memorials to Friends Inc. (P.O. Box 117, West Bend, WI 53095) are appreciated.
West Bend, WI – It was August 26 of 2022 and Margaret Krebs turned 100 years old and by the skin of her teeth she just completed one of the final goals on her bucket list: working at a hardware store. Margaret just celebrated 102. Help wish her a happy birthday.
Mike at Neu’s Hardware, N95W16915 Falls Pkwy, in Menomonee Falls and his team helped make the wish official by outfitting Margaret with a Neu’s apron (with her name on it) and getting her set behind the cash register at checkout.
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“You know how we checked out years ago,” said Margaret. “We wrote it on a piece of paper.”
Michelle Neu, company vice president, could relate. “When my grandfather started this business 75 years ago that’s how it was,” she said. “They had just a cash register with a crank wheel. I think we still have one of those in the basement somewhere.”
Margaret grew up on a farm in St. Lawrence, WI. “That was one thing I always wanted to do was work at a hardware store. I don’t know why…. but here I am,” she said.
Margaret remembered going to Kirsch Hardware store to pick up a bolt or a nail from Herb or Tony Kirsch. “The store was about a mile from home,” she said. “We never got any treats… just what we needed, paint or nails.
“When checking out they wrote everything on a little paper, and they duplicated it. You got one piece, and they kept the other.”
Neu’s Hardware has a storied history as well starting in 1945. Click HERE to read more.
Granddaughter Tiffany Bando was the force behind making Margaret’s wish come true. “I was on the phone with her about a month ago and I asked her if at 100 years old she had any regrets and she said she didn’t get to work in a hardware store,” said Bando. “I was just blown away that it wasn’t about exotic travel or anything huge, it was something so simple and I thought we could make this happen.”
Bando reached out to Neu’s Hardware. “They were so kind and welcoming and here we are, making her dream come true.”
“I hear you’re the new girl,” said Bill, a Neu’s employee as he arrived for work.
Margaret shook his hand and said, “Yes…. welcome to Neu’s.”
Then things got busy, and Margaret had to get to work checking out customers and their purchases.
Armed with a scanner gun and some advice from her great grandchildren Margaret rang up her first sale.
“Just beep the lines,” said her youngest great grandson.
“I do what,” questioned Margaret as a beep sounded.
“Good job great grandma,” said the boy.
“That’ll be $3.05. Do you want your receipt in a bag,” asked Margaret. “There you are. Thanks for shopping at Neu’s.”
Margaret (Walter) Krebs was born August 26, 1922. She grew up in Loyal, WI, alongside six sisters and two brothers.
