APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV) – Even on a Wednesday morning at 11 a.m., Hank & Karen’s Pub and Grill in Appleton is the place to be. Waiters hustle behind the counter, every barstool is filled, ladies play cards with laughter, and someone hits big on a corner slot machine.
“I’m going to try to make him proud,” said a teary-eyed Maggie Kresal, the bar manager and Hank’s daughter.
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Hank passed away on May 21—his wife Karen’s birthday—at age 70 from cancer, following a diagnosis in April that came after months of illness beginning with an ulcer in December.
The void left by his passing is deeply felt in both the community and the business he and Karen revitalized after purchasing it in 1989.
“When he got the actual diagnosis it was tough, because I quit my job eight years ago to take this over,” Kresal said.
But with the support of her mother, Karen Grishaber, and her siblings, Kresal kept going.
“I was going to be lost, but my four kids have stepped up and really helped out,” Karen said. “I don’t think there’s a day that goes by that you don’t think about him. The kids have been wonderful.”
“I wanted him to be here to see the success of the business, to keep it going. So it was really tough. But my brothers and my sisters said, ‘You need to keep it going. Dad would be proud of you no matter what,’” Kresal added. “Everything I am is because of my dad. Everything.”
And everything Hank was, was for his family—both biological and chosen. An estimated 1,500 people turned out for his celebration of life.
“His family meant everything to him. Everything he did was for his kids. Everything we learned throughout the years was because of him,” Kresal said. “Everything he did was for his community. Everything. There was not enough that he could do; he always wanted to do more.”
Signed photos cover the walls of Hank & Karen’s Pub and Grill. Though they resemble those of national athletes, they are of local sports figures and racecar drivers Hank supported.
“He wanted people to go out and enjoy their hobbies and not have to worry about the extra costs that come with it,” Kresal said.
Hank was known for putting his money behind causes close to his heart, supporting veterans and the Appleton Flag Day Parade—the oldest and largest in the nation. He participated just once, riding in his pride and joy: a ‘rat-rod’ GMC pickup truck emblazoned with his bar’s name.
“That was his little pride and joy,” Karen said.
This Saturday will be different. Their eldest son, Opie, will drive that truck in the parade, joined by racecars and sports teams Hank once sponsored.
“I think it’ll be a big honor for us to be in there,” Karen said.
And it’s expected that—besides soldiers and veterans—Hank’s tribute will draw the biggest cheers. The streets of College Avenue will overflow in celebration of the flag, those who serve, and one man who gave so much to his community.
“It’ll be awesome,” Kresal said. “It’ll probably be emotional, because I think some of the attendees will get emotional about it too.”
“Never had a better day.” That was Hank’s trademark saying. And the only thing that could make Saturday better would be if Hank were there.
In spirit, he will be—alongside all those lives he touched.
