Obit: Krynski, Father Leo J. (1927 - 2006)

Transcribed by: Crystal Wendt

Surnames: Krynski, Markowski, Meyer, McKillip, Paul, Van Massenhove, Smith, Taraboi, Burgess, Depta, Grevatch

---Source: Foto News (Merrill, Lincoln County, Wis.) Wednesday, 24 May 2006; page 10

---Krynski, Father Leo J. (28 Mar. 1927 - 20 May 2006)

Father Leo J. Krynski

Father Leo J. Krynski, 79, died on Saturday, May 20, 2006, at Mount View Care Center in Wausau. Father Krynski was in the 53rd year of his priesthood.

Give him eternal rest, O Lord, and may your light shine on him forever.

Fr. Krynski was born in Superior, on March 28, 1927, the son of Stanley and Bernice (Markowski) Krynski. After attending St. Stanislaus Elementary School and Cathedral High School in Superior, he completed his seminary education at St. Francis Seminary in Milwaukee. He was ordained a priest on June 3, 1952, by the Most Rev. Albert G. Meyer at Cathedral of Christ the King, Superior.

Father Leo's first appointment was associate pastor of St. Anthony and Margaret Parish, Superior, and religion instructor at Cathedral High School, Superior. In July 1956, he was appointed pastor of St. Robert Bellarmine Parish, Merrill, and religion instructor at Holy Cross High School, Merrill. In September 1962, Father Leo was appointed to the Office of Pro-Synodal Examiner of the Diocese of Superior. In the fall of 1970, Father spent one academic year pursuing graduate studies at Stout State University, Menomonie, and served as assistant chaplain at the Newman Center at the University.

It was during this involvement in Campus Ministry that Father understood he could best serve the needs of the Church through this special ministry. On July 15, 1971 Father Leo joined the Team Campus Ministry at Wisconsin State University, Stevens Point. This was a position he maintained until Feb. 5, 1987. Father Leo then entered a Camelot Ministry Experience at St. Anne Parish, Wausau, with Father Bob McKillip until 1994. Due to health concerns of Father Bob McKillip, Bishop John Paul appointed Fr. Krynski parochial administrator of St. Anne-s from Jan. 11- June 28, 1994.

When Fr. Krynski left Merrill, an editorial appeared in the July 29, 1970, issue of the Wausau Daily Record Herald, entitled "Loss To Community." An excerpt from that article follows:

"Merrill is losing a clergyman who has made a lasting contribution to both church and community. He is typical of a growing number of clergymen whose knowledge and experience is being made available to both the church and community. Perhaps, the faith and perseverance of men like Rev. Krynski has been in large measure responsible for public housing which soon will be a reality in Merrill. His service to the Housing Authority as its chairman has been invaluable.

"Rev. Krynski's concern for all people and his faithful service can be model for us all to follow. His guidance has enriched a church and a community and now he deserves our thanks."

In early 1997 Father Leo experienced a stroke which left him without speech and a difficulty with mobility. However, his spirits and interests continued with vitality and his priestly ministry endured in his ability to bless and touch the hearts of people around him.

Fr. Krynski is survived by the priests of the diocese, brothers; Edward (Maryann) Krynski, Bloomington, Minn.; Richard Krynski, Superior; Larry (Gloria) Krynski, Maple Grove, Minn.; sisters; Stella Van Massenhove, Superior; Martha (Robert) Smith, Eau Claire; Dorcie Taraboi, Bloomington, Minn.; nephew; Fr. Dave, Salt Lake City, many nieces and nephews and friend Pati Burgess. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister; Helen Depta.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 25, at the Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ (formerly St. James) 621 2nd St., Wausau. Rev. William Grevatch & Rev. David Van Massenhove will concelebrate. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of mass at the church Thursday. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Superior.

Priest wishing to concelebrate are asked to bring an alb and white stole.

The Brainard Funeral Home, Wausau, is assisting with funeral arrangements. In lieu of flowers, all memorials should be directed to Resurrection Parish. On-line condolences may be given at www.brainardfuneral.com.

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