John L. Krupa

John Lawrence Krupa, 67, of Sault Ste. Marie, passed away at Tendercare on October 14, 2014. John was born on September 4, 1947, in his maternal grandparents’ automobile – a black 1939 Olds with suicide doors. He was the son of Joseph and Cecilia (Malkowski) Krupa. Some of John’s fondest memories were of the time spent with his grandparents (Louis and Helen Malkowski) at the Spring Bay coal dock and Detour Village. John attended St. Joseph’s Catholic Grade School and spent his high school years at Loretto Catholic Central – the first three years in the old Loretto. He was in the first senior class graduating from the new Loretto in 1966 (and his brother Bob was in the last graduating class in 1971). John attended many of the Loretto reunions and over the years kept in touch with some of the nuns who were his teachers. In 1971 John graduated from LSSC with a BS in History. Between work study at the college and subsequent fulltime employment, he spent over 30 years on the LSSU campus and 25 years as the union secretary. He worked in all the campus buildings but his favorite was the Shouldice Library. Stamp collecting was an interest John pursued for over 50 years, beginning in 1960 when he was 13 years old recovering from bronchitis. His first stamp album – a Planters Peanuts album which his Mom had won during her high school years. John was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. He was very active in the Knights of Columbus and held many offices in the Council and the First Degree Team, including Recording Secretary and Grand Knight; he was also active in the Fourth Degree and Fourth Degree Color Corps, holding various offices including Faithful Navigator and Marshall. He attended three KofC state conventions on Mackinac Island. John was active in a number of community organizations: Lions Club (Treasurer for 8-9 years); Sons of American Legion; Detour Reef Light Preservation Society (especially enjoying the Father’s Day cruises); Chippewa County Genealogical Society (Secretary); and LSSU Elders (Membership Committee). An avid reader, John loved books about history and liked to support local authors. He had a phenomenal memory for historical facts and dates and he was the “go to” guy if anyone had a question concerning the family history. He shared his passion for reading by giving the gift of books and magazine subscriptions to family members. After his retirement, John enjoyed serving in community organizations and spending time at Caribou Lake and Detour for the local festivals, barbeques, theatrical plays, concerts, and lighthouse cruises. John is survived by his siblings, Robert, Louis (Pauline), and Joel Krupa, of Sault Ste. Marie, Mary (John) Campbell, of Traverse City, and Jean (Robert) Andary, of Clarkston; nieces and nephews (Robert and Lyndsay Andary; Lucas, Andrew, and Allison Krupa); and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and an elder brother, Joseph Paul Jr. John entered the EUP Hospice House in January 2014 and was transferred to Tendercare in September. A special thank you goes out to all the wonderful, compassionate staff and volunteers who cared for John at both facilities, as well as the many visitors and friends whose kindness, prayers, treats and mail brightened his days. Visitation will take place from 4 – 7 pm on Sunday, October 26, 2014, at Clark Bailey Newhouse Funeral Home. The Mass of Christian Burial, with Fr. Jose Maramattam presiding, will be held at 10 am on Monday, October 27, 2014, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, followed by a lunch at the church hall. Internment will take place at Maple Grove Cemetery in Detour. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial contribution to Hospice of the EUP, 308 West 12th Ave., Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783; or St. Mary’s School, 360 Maple St., Sault Ste. Marie, MI.

Tributes

John L. Krupa

September 4, 1947 - October 14, 2014