David J. Kromenaker passed away November 2, 2026 at Oakwood Village in Madison, Wisconsin. He was born July 27, 1939 to John and Theresa (Niemczyk) Kromenaker in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.

David grew up in Stevens Point and was a member of the Wisconsin National Guard as a teenager. He earned a BS in Business Administration from the Wisconsin State College – Whitewater where he met his bride, Elsie Ptak. He later earned his MBA from Northern Illinois University.

He was a Lieutenant in the Army, focusing on communications. He was proud of his military service, wearing an Army hat everywhere he went later in life.

David and Elsie married July 1, 1961 in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After he concluded his military service, they settled in the Chicago area where he worked for the federal government. They later moved to Madison after a job transfer, where they raised their family.

David enjoyed boating on the Madison lakes and beyond, where he taught his daughters and many friends and family to water ski. He also enjoyed fishing, particularly his Canada fishing trips. David took great pride in his yard, including extensive vegetable patches and a weed-free lawn. His passion was family genealogy, communicating with, even meeting, distant relatives across the world.

After retiring, David and Elsie traveled extensively. David made new friends on every trip.

David was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Sandra Henry, sister Patricia Lartz, brother and sister-in-law Robert and Joanne Kromenaker, brother-in-law Thomas Ptak, nephew Paul Lartz and niece Jennifer Ptak. He is survived by his wife, daughters Susan (Scott) Bobholz, Sherri (Steven) Wick, son-in-law Erik (Marilee) Henry, grandchildren Ethan Henry, Julie Henry, and Ruby Stroebel, sister Neva Jane Hansen, sister-in-law Patricia Ptak, nieces, nephews, a large extended family, and friends.

The service will be Saturday, November 14, 2026 at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, WI 53705. Visitation starts at 9:30am, with the service starting at 10:30am. Lunch will be provided. In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society will be appreciated.

The family wishes to extend thanks to Agrace Hospice and Oakwood Village for the care they provided to David. 

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road Madison

(608) 238-3434