Sigurd (Sig) Winfield Krostue, New London, WI, age 98, passed away Sunday October, 27th 2013.
He was born on a farm outside Sheridan, WI February 14, 1915, the son of the late Winfield and Iva (Thorsen) Krostue. On May 28, 1943 he married Virginia Schucknecht in Rapid City SD; she preceded him in death in December of 1997. On April 6, 2001 he married Velma Buss. He attended Scandinavia Academy and graduated from the Union Free High School in 1933. That fall he enrolled in the Central States Teacher’s College at Stevens Point, WI studying prelaw. In 1936 he entered into the University of Wisconsin Madison Law School, was President of Gamma Eta Gamma Legal Fraternity, graduating in 1939. Upon graduation from law school he did his office practice with Honorable Judge Wendell McHenry in Waupaca. He was granted a law license in 1940 and practiced in Waupaca until he was inducted into the military service in July, 1941.
In 1942 he was assigned to the Harvard University Business College in Boston, MA. and commissioned as Second Lieutenant in the army. In 1943 he was relieved of active duty at Second Air Force Headquarters and assigned to the 17th Bomb Operational Training Wing at Rapid City, SD, for the purpose of heading the Statistical Control Dept. of the 127th Bomb Wing. From January 1944 to November of 1945 he served in WWII in China, India and Burma with rank of Captain. Sig was very proud of being a member of the 490th Burma Bridge Busters. He was honorably discharged from active duty in 1945 and retired from the military in November, 1952 at the rank of Major in the US Air Force Reserves.
Sig and Virginia moved to New London, WI in 1946 and established his law practice which he continued past his 89th birthday, 2004. He was the New London City Attorney from 1948 – 1968, mayor from 1968 to 1972. Sig also represented New London and Manawa school district, as well as various townships. He was a long time member and served on many boards and committees at the Emanuel Lutheran Church. He was past commander of the Norris Spencer American Legion Post, commander of the VFW Post in New London. He was past President of the Lions Club, one of the original organizers of New London Little League, instrumental in establishing a local bank (New London National) and a radio station (WLIH), serving as President and Vice-President of the bank. He was involved and wrote the incorporation papers for Curwood, Inc. in August 1958. Member of Waupaca County Condemnation Committee, Waupaca County Veterans Service Committee, served many years as Waupaca County Circuit Court Commissioner, member and past president of Waupaca County BAR Assoc. and member of the Wisconsin Bar Assoc.
To list all the activities Sig was involved with would be endless. However, you could sum it up by saying he loved his family, his church, took pride in his work and the community of New London. One of Sig’s favorite pastimes was supporting and attending New London’s youth sporting activities and being recognized as the number 1 Bulldog fan.
He is survived by his wife Velma; 4 sons: Jim Krostue, Pella; Bob (Gwen) Krostue, Neenah; Bill (Debbie) Krostue New London; Don (Patty) Krostue New London; and stepson, Bill (June) Buss, New London. Also, 11 grandchildren: Ryan, Aaron (Abby), Nancy (Mark), Jason (Krissa), Shannon, Kyle, Sara, Karly, Chris, Katie (Dan), Brian; 11 great grandchildren: Iyla, Baya, Leo, Mae, Danielle, Bethany, Emily, Alissa, Keller, Brianna, Bryce; and 2 step grandchildren, Jennifer and Jamie He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Virginia and his son Tom.
Funeral services for Sig will be held on Friday, November 1, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. at Emanuel Lutheran Church, New London. Visitation will be held at the Cline & Hanson Funeral Home on Thursday, from 4-8 p.m. and also at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will be in the Most Precious Blood Catholic Cemetery, New London; Military Rites will be held. A memorial has been established.