John (Jack) Leo Krzynski died on August 10, 2017, after a brief illness. He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on January 9, 1928, to Leo and Marie (Stankiewicz) Krzynski. The family moved to Chenequa, Wisconsin, where John spent his youth. After graduating from high school early, he enlisted in the US Army and was stationed in Korea for two years. When his tour was completed he attended the University of Wisconsin, participating in ROTC and graduating in 1953 with a B.A. in Light Building Industry. He married Phyllis Nielsen of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, in 1951. Upon graduating from the UW, John and Phyllis moved to Freeport, Illinois, where John was employed by Sanford and Zartman Lumber Company in sales and home design. While living in Freeport, John designed and built two of his own homes, joined the Elks where he served as Exalted Ruler and was an active member of St. Thomas of Aquinas parish. The family lived briefly in Wausau, Wisconsin, before moving to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where they spent the bulk of their lives. John was employed by Fingerle Lumber as a sales manager in the Wholesale Division. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Reserve.
John enjoyed playing bridge, and enthusiastically embraced playing online. Although he was a true introvert, he surprised everyone by taking on a peer counselor role at AA – something he missed when he moved to North Carolina in his last years. He read voraciously about world history and war strategies, remembering the most minute detail. Gardening was his relaxation and he maintained abundant flower and vegetable beds until this summer. He liked being able to supply family, friends and neighbors with tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers all summer long.
John is survived by his wife, Phyllis; his children Susan (Paul) Bass and Douglas (MaryAnn) Krzynski; grandchildren Alexandra Krzynski and Catherine Bass; nieces Kathy Krzynski and Dee (Karen) Krzynski, son Brett; Bobbie de Baca and daughter Jaimie. He was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Theodore (Mary Jane) and Donald (Donna) and their daughter, Denise.
At John’s request, no funeral or memorial service is planned. If you would like to remember John, please donate to the Older Adult Recovery Center (OARC) at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital-Chelsea or a charity of your choice.
