John J. Krajewski

On Tuesday, April 11, 2023, Antigo native U. S. Marine, John J. Krajewski was once again called up to serve when St. Peter read his name, and after giving St. Peter a salute, John marched valiantly through the Pearly Gates of Heaven and in to the loving arms of our Lord at the age of 87 years young.

Known by his many friends as “Big John”, he was born in Antigo on August 14, 1935, the youngest son of John Sr. and Ethel Krajewski. A hard worker all his life, John got his first job delivering the Antigo Daily Journal when he was 12 years old and started setting pins at the bowling alley when he was 14. John knew his calling though and enthusiastically enlisted in the U. S. Marine Corps at the age of 17 on July 8, 1953. He proudly served our country in California, Japan, Korea, and Indianapolis until the time of his honorable discharge on July 7, 1956, but the Marine in him stayed faithful to “the Corp” to the end of his days with his final wish to be buried in his white marine dress shirt and dress blue pants.

After his discharge from the Marines, John returned to his hometown of Antigo where he married his loving wife, Lucille Yakel, after meeting at the Frost Veneer Mill, where they both worked. They were united in marriage on January 21, 1967, and were blessed with 56 years of married life together and three adoring children.

John next worked at Kraft Foods and later the Antigo Cheese Company, for more than 25 years total, retiring in 2000. Along with a group of co-workers, John was instrumental in starting up Antigo Cheese Company and saving jobs for the good people in the town that he loved and believed in.

John was a charter founding member of the Timberwolves Detachment of the Marine Corps League where he served as Adjutant Paymaster for many years and was still actively attending meetings. He was also a member of the American Legion and VFW, where he was honored as “Man of the Year” in 2006. On May 20 2014, John was thrilled to participate in the 16th Never Forgotten Honor Flight to Washington D.C., proclaiming the experience one of the best days of his life. Serving his country never wavered. John served as Honor Guard at funerals for his military brothers for many, many years and marched in parades on behalf of the Timberwolves Detachment for 30 years. He raised the flags at the courthouse and the hospital and participated in the Memorial Day Bridge Street ceremony for countless years. He was still marching in the Memorial Day parade, carrying a heavy rifle at the age of 80. Semper Fi was the creed he lived his life by. In July he would have celebrated his 70th year as a Marine.

John is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Lucille; daughter, Gail (Dave) Cappel of Weston; son, David (Dawn) Krajewski of Kimberly; daughter, Lisa (Joe) Zier of Oshkosh; 4 grandsons, Josh (Carrie) Krajewski, Christopher (Ashley) Krajewski, Alex Cappel, and Keegan Zier; 2 granddaughters: Megan Krajewski and Rebecca Zier, 4 great grandchildren; Brooklyn, Payton, Caden, and Noah Krajewski; and his big sister, Sis Krajewski. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Bud (Sue) Yakel and sister-in-law Connie (Frank) Kramer.

He was preceded to Heaven by his parents, his big brothers, Gene and Desi, and his first wife Maye, and their little boy Jerry. John loved his family fiercely and told us that all the time.

We think Dad would like this verse: Do not cry for me, fly the flag for me instead. Remember me in your hearts, in your thoughts, and in the memories of the times we loved, and the times we laughed. For if you think of me always, I will never be gone. I am everywhere and my love is with you always.

A visitation will be held Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until noon at Strasser-Roller Funeral Home. Military Honors will be held at noon at the funeral home.

The family would like to thank the Outpatient Dialysis Center Staff for the care and kindness shown to John in the last few years. They gave us almost three more years with our hero.

Memorials in John’s name may be directed to the Timberwolves Detachment