Col. Edward Stanislaus Krass, USMC (ret), formerly of Durango, CO, passed away on Saturday, July 15, 2017 at the age of 87. He was born May 4, 1930 in Chicago, IL to Cyprian "Henry" and Julia (Gdowski) Krass. At an early age, his family moved to Lemont, IL, where he graduated high school and met a young lady, Rosemary Jeans. They dated two years before marrying on June 14, 1952, recently celebrating 65 years of marriage. Ed was later inducted into the Lemont High School Athletic Hall of Fame and was a middleweight Golden Gloves champion twice.
A football scholarship to Washburn University took Ed to Topeka, KS where he attained his undergraduate degree. Upon his graduation in 1953, he received orders to report to Quantico, VA for officers' training in the Marine Corps. He was then ordered to Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, CA to set sail for Korea.
In 1955, the family moved to Anaheim, CA where Ed was hired at St. Catherine's Military School as the Assistant Commandant, teacher, and Athletic Director. After that, he taught and coached at Mater Dei High School. In 1960, the family moved to Orange, CA, where Ed began a career in the Santa Ana Unified School District. He received his Master's of Education Degree from Chapman College in Orange, CA and his PhD in Education from Western State College in Gunnison, CO.
Major Krass was recalled to active duty in 1966 and served in Vietnam from 1968 - 1969.
Upon returning from Vietnam, Ed returned to the Santa Ana School District becoming a Vice Principal then Principal at Saddleback High School. Thereafter, he was appointed Assistant Superintendent then Superintendent of the District.
In 1990, Ed and Rosemary retired to Durango, CO to be closer to family. Twenty-two years later, they relocated to Louisville, Windsor, and Greeley, CO.
As an officer of the U.S. Marine Corps, he was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Vietnamese Medal of Valor, and two Purple Hearts. Ed retired as a Colonel in 1990, having served in Korea and Vietnam, being shot down in Korea and then Laos.
Ed had a great sense of humor. He enjoyed family, friends, golfing, football, fishing, and world travel.
Survivors include his wife, Rosemary; daughters, Diane (John) Knutson of Greeley and Michelle Tanaka of Burley, ID; three grandsons, Patrick (Stephanie), Matthew and Mark; siblings, Daniel Krass and Barbara (Earl) Carver, as well as sisters-in-law Virginia "Ginny" Krass and Ellen Gaffney, and brother-in-law William "Bill" (Cheri) Jeans.
He was preceded in death by his parents, twin daughters, and siblings, Henry "Hank" Krass, Helen Herman and Rita Kantowski.
On Saturday, July 22, a visitation will be held at 11a.m. and a Noon service at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 1800 21st Ave., Greeley. On Saturday, July 27, there will be a 10a.m. visitation and rosary followed by an 11a.m. funeral mass at St. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church, 608 Sobieski St., Lemont, IL.
Memorial gifts may be made to TRU Hospice of Northern Colorado in care of Adamson, 2000 47th Ave., Greeley, CO 80634 or to a charity of your choice. Friends may leave condolences at adamsoncares.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Adamson Life Celebration Home.
I remember Ed as a wonderful classmate graduating 1949.-- don't seem that long since we were all in high school looking forward to some of the sport events at Lemont high school --I know the family will miss him
Antoinette [choura] Gelsinger
Antoinette Gelsinger
September 13, 2017
Dear Rosemary, Dianne and Michelle
Ed Krass was a great husband, father, teacher, coach, principal and superintendent. He was also a highly decorated U.S.Marine. I first met Ed and Rosemary when they were still living in California.
Ed was a true American hero Our condolences and love to all his family.
Mike and Barbara McLachlan
MIKE MCLACHLAN
July 27, 2017
MAY THE THOUGHT OF KNOWING THAT FAMILY AND FRIENDS SHARE IN YOUR GRIEF BRING YOU A MEASURE OF COMFORT.PLEASE READ PROV 17:17
KELLEY
July 26, 2017
Our sympathy to you, Rosemary and your family. LIPEO, Janice Anderson and David Brookes
Janice Anderson
July 25, 2017
Our sympathy for your loss. LIPEO, Janice Anderson and David Brookes Windsor, CO
July 25, 2017
Condolences to the whole family. May he rest in peace following his exemplary life. Patrick and Lori Nagel
Patrick Nagel
July 24, 2017
I am sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort be with you during your time of mourning. Isaiah 61:1,2 ; Matthew 5:4
July 24, 2017
Rosemary, Diane and John,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Each of you spoke so proudly of him. You had good reason to do so!
Ruth Katzin
July 24, 2017
My condolences go out to the family of Mr. Krass. I was a student at Saddleback HS in the mid-70s. I had many good meetings with him and he truly cared about the students. He was a good man of honor. Rest in peace Mr. Krass.
Kristi Boehm
Student
July 23, 2017
Mr.Krass was the Vice Principal and Principal at Saddleback High School when my Father, Coach Jerry Witte, taught, and became Head Football Coach and Athletic director. Even as a little girl I remember Mr.Krass cheerring on the sidelines during football games and always had a hug for me and welcoming smile for all who came in contact with him. I have been a teacher at Saddleback for 10 years now and Ed Krass has and always will be a permanent reminder of the Tradition of Excellence we instill in our students and live on as the heart of Roadrunner Pride. God Bless you Mr.Krass and our hearts and prayers go out to his family with love and respect.
Laurie Witte
July 22, 2017
Our condolences to the family from Richard and Lydia Salvetta whose daughter Dianne rose Salvetta (Mendez) was a student at saddleback
High school in Santa Ana,ca. We enjoyed knowing and working with Dr. Krass.
July 22, 2017
The streets of Gates of Heaven are now guarded by one more Marine.
July 21, 2017
Rosemary, Diane, and John,
My prayers and thoughts go with you. God bless you all.
Fr. Jim Koenigsfeld
James Koenigsfeld
July 21, 2017
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