Vaughn K. Krumbein

Vaughn Krumbein’s last journal entry from his chair overlooking the Menominee River in Stephenson, Michigan on September 19, 2020 reads: “34° low and 57° high; A cold night and very cool day. Ma was resting and playing her games. I did some work in the shed.” One week later, on Saturday, September 26, 2020, in Marinette, Wisconsin, Vaughn was called to his homecoming with Jesus. His journal entry may have read: 63° low and 75°high; my favorite weather. Surrounded by prayer and song, I am now in Glory.



Vaughn Karlos Krumbein was born on February 7, 1935 in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin to Arthur and Alice (Rosenow) Krumbein. He was baptized on March 3, 1935 and confirmed on March 21, 1948 at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in North Fond du Lac. Upon finishing high school, Vaughn began his 42-year career with the Soo Line and Wisconsin Central Railroads. He married the love of his life of 65 years, Phyllis Mae Meyer, on February 19, 1955 in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. They raised their three children in the house they built in 1962 on the Meyer homestead just north of Fond du Lac. Vaughn’s love of the outdoors often led them to the great Northwoods.



After retirement, Vaughn and Phyllis made a permanent move to their cozy cabin on the river surrounded by woods and wildlife. Vaughn spent his days hunting, fishing, feeding the birds, and chopping wood. He would sit on the riverbank and say, “This is as close to heaven as I’m gonna get, until I get there.” Vaughn was a faithful member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Daggett, Michigan. Five o’clock was his favorite time of day and you could often hear some old country classics coming through the windows. He was the definition of “energy efficient” before the world even used that term. This past spring marked the first sturgeon fishing season Vaughn missed in 39 years. Vaughn instilled a love of the outdoors in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. There was quiet when fishing, laughter while playing outdoor games, and adventures when riding on the four-wheeler. His neighbors fondly called him: Mayor of Z-1 Road, The Sturgeon General, and Doctor Dolittle. Vaughn was loved by many and will be missed by his family, friends, and neighbors.



Survivors include his loving wife, Phyllis; one brother, Dennis Krumbein, North Fond du Lac; two sisters, Sharon Pingel (Eugene), Forest Junction, and Debbie Krause (Jerry), North Fond du Lac; two sisters-in-law, Mary Krumbein, Fond du Lac, and Nancy Krumbein, Fond du Lac;

son, Jeffrey Krumbein (Heidi Kolell), Fond du Lac; grandchildren, Elizabeth Geissler (Mitch), Manitowoc, Rachel “Raquel” Zwicke (Mike), North Fond du Lac, Noah Krumbein (Vicki Blanck), Fond du Lac, Naomi Ruh (Andrew), Fond du Lac, Jared Krumbein (Rachel Barnes), Omro, Hannah Chaplin (Cody), Fond du Lac, Abigail Huhndorf (Will), Fond du Lac, Mara Grdinic (Matt), Tucson, Arizona, and Lydia Krumbein, Fond du Lac;

Son, Jay Krumbein (Trish), Red Granite; grandchildren, Nicole Luebke (Josh), Fort Atkinson, and Haley Nigbor (Steve), Berlin;

Daughter, Jody Minton (Jeff), Stevens Point; grandchildren, Jaclyn Minton, Rosholt; Jeremiah Minton, Cashton, and Jadon Minton, Stevens Point

Great- grandchildren, Chloe, Isabelle, Zachary, Elijah, Clara, Isaiah, Jamie, Isaac, Alex, Jack, Charlotte, Elias, Eloise, Liam, Samuel, Marleigh, Maeve, Ellie, and Bodhi;

Many special nieces and nephews who affectionately called him, “Uncle Vaughn”; and other relatives, friends, and neighbors; He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Alice Krumbein; two brothers, Ronald Krumbein and Delbert Krumbein



Visitation will be held in Fond du Lac at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 855 Martin Avenue on Sunday, October 4, 2020, from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please send any cards or memorials to the church.



“Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.” Thessalonians 4:13-14

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16





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