John M. Krahn saved Monica L. Ensley-Partenfelder and helped attempt to save Mackale J. Partenfelder from being struck by a train, Elm Grove, Wisconsin, May 25, 2009. Ensley-Partenfelder, 40, and her son Mackale, 1, were occupants of a minivan that got caught on a rail at a railroad crossing. A 94-car freight train was approaching the crossing on that track at about 43 m.p.h. On duty at a nearby intersection, Krahn, 41, police officer, ran to the crossing and approached the driver’s side of the minivan. He opened its driver’s door, allowing egress for Ensley-Partenfelder, and pushed her away from the vehicle. Finding that Mackale was in the minivan, Krahn worked to unlock its rear door, being joined by Ensley-Partenfelder’s husband, who had been driving another vehicle nearby. The train bore down on the crossing as the men worked to gain access to Mackale, and it struck the vehicle at undiminished speed. The minivan was knocked from the crossing to a point in an adjacent grassy area, where it came to rest upright. Still inside it, Mackale was uninjured. Krahn and Ensley-Partenfelder’s husband were also thrown to the grassy area. They required hospitalization for treatment of severe injuries, Krahn’s including numerous broken bones. He was disabled for more than a year.
82239 – 9380
82239-9380Obituary
MUSKEGO- Born to Eternal Life on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. Age 57. Beloved husband for 16 years of Cyndi (nee Maleu). Loving father of Kaitlyn Krahn. Dear son of Michael and Patricia Krahn. Dear brother of Daniel (Cathy) Krahn. Further survived by nieces, a nephew, cousins, other relatives and friends.
John was born September 23, 1967 to Michael and Patricia Krahn and grew up in Muskego. He served the Village of Elm Grove as a Police Officer for 19 years and was active in the DARE Program. John was honored for his heroic actions during the Memorial Day Parade in 2009. He was featured in the Book of Man by William Bennett for his heroic actions. John also received the Carnegie Hero Award, the National Law Enforcement Award and the Top Cop Award. He will be remembered by the many lives he touched.