Joseph Raymond Krizan

Joseph Raymond Krizan, 89, of Mifflinville, passed away at his home Tuesday, July 23, 2013. He was born July 9, 1924 in Chicago Heights, Illinois, a son of the late John and Anna (Lotsko) Krizan. Joe graduated from Bloom High, Chicago Heights, Illinois. He then joined the United States Navy from 1942 until 1945 where he received the rank of Gunners Mate Third Class. Where he was stationed at NTS Great Lakes, Ill- Navy Pier, Chicago, IL, AATC, NSB, Port Angeles, WA, AATC Pacific Beach, WA then he was on the USS Ross DD563 and the USS John W. Thomason DD760, NTS Treasure Island, CA and USN Repair Base, San Diego, CA. Joe completed Fleet Service School in San Diego, CA. During Joe's service in the Navy he received the Asiatic-Pacific two stars, Philippine Liberation two stars, American Theatre, Victory Medal and the good conduct. Joe was aboard the USS Ross one year when it hit two mines and was taken out of service to be fixed in 1944. They were following mine sweepers but the ship turned left and hit the mines. The USS Ross had to be towed back to San Pedro, CA by liberty ships. It took 56 days and broke the 3 inch tow cables thirteen times. The schooling was for electrical hydraulic training. He was then assigned to the USS John W. Thomason and was aboard when it was commissioned. Joe then joined the United States Army from 1948 until 1952 where he received the rank of Corporal where he received the Korean Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, United Nations Service Medal and the Presidential Unit Citation. Joe when through training in Ft. Louis, WA and then was sent to Korea. This is where he was saved by his ammunition belt when a bullet lodged there and missed him. He was driving a truck with 12 guys in the back when they ran a Chinese road block when they came under fire. Only one guy was shot. Joe's bullet went through the door and lodged in his belt. He wished that he had saved the bullet. After Korea, he was stationed at Ft. Lawton, WA. After Joe's military service he worked at Magee Carpet Company and then Wise Potato Chips in Berwick. He is a life member of the Bloomsburg VFW Post 804 and the BOP Elks of Berwick and the USS Ross DD 563 association and the teamster union. Joe had received the million mile club - safety driving award, awarded by the teamsters union. Joe was preceded in death by his wife Grace C. Sheatler Krizan who passed away in 1997, his son John M. Krizan who passed away in 1981 and three brothers Albert, Louis and John Krizan and a sister Josephine Hopson. He is survived by a sister Ann Cantway of S. Chicago Heights, IL and a niece Kathie Dreixler of Steger, IL and two stepchildren Russell Chea and Jeanne Mildred Gilbreth both of Santa Rosa, CA. Services will be Saturday, August 3, 2013 at 11:00 am at Bunnell Funeral Home, Inc. 179 E. Main St. Millville with Rev. Joshua Reinsburrow officiating. Burial will be at Millville Cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday from 10:00 am until the time of service. Friends unable to attend may send condolences at bunnellfuneralhome.com.

Visitation Details

Saturday, August 3rd, 2013 10:00am - 11:00am, Bunnell Funeral Home, Inc.

Service Information

Saturday, August 3rd, 2013 11:00am, Bunnell Funeral Home, Inc.

Interment Details

Millville Cemetery

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph Raymond Krizan, please visit our floral store.