Joseph "Joe" Krak

Joseph Michael Krak, Sr., 92, of Brady Lake, passed away Thursday, July 18, 2013 at his home with his children at his side.
He was born January 28, 1921 in Byesville, OH to Joseph and Margaret (Oleska) Krak. He spent his youth in the Byesville area until 1940 when he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps and was shipped off to Idaho. He worked building roads, doing various construction projects and planted trees among many other projects. Following his time with the CCC, he moved to Ravenna, Ohio. His initial stay was short lived as he was called up to military service in September 1942. Joe proudly served his country during World War II as a member of the 214th AAA Gun Battery D. Prior to his deployment, Joe earned his expert marksmanship medals in rifle, carbine and submachine gun. His time in the service took him from North Africa to Sicily to Italy and into France and Central Europe. His unit was also part of the group that liberated the Dachau concentration camp. During his two and one half years overseas, he received ribbons for six major battle campaigns earning many medals including six bronze stars.
Upon his return home, he once again settled in Ravenna, Ohio. He found work at Meadowview Golf Course which later became Kent State University Golf Course. He was the superintendent for the course for 49 years and was able to make many changes including planting countless trees, changing hole and sand trap locations as well as numerous others. Joe had a lifelong love of golf that started at age nine when he first caddied at Cambridge Country Club. He became their caddie master at age twelve. Following his retirement in 1989, Joe continued to play golf on the Kent State course for many years and enjoyed his many hobbies. He was an expert woodworker with an eye on perfection, loved bird watching, gardening, traveling and particularly enjoyed time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Joe also loved being outdoors and soon found himself back mowing fairways on Oak Knolls golf course for the superintendent, his son Greg. He did this until August 2012.
Joe spent these years with the love of his life, Alvera, whom he married on August 17, 1946. They were married for 62 years. Together they raised their four children in their home that Joe built on Cox Avenue.
Joe was a devout Catholic and longtime member of the parish of St. Patrick's in Kent. He ushered at Saturday Masses for more than thirty years and was known by the parish members as always being sharply dressed. He loved helping others and his carpentry and handyman skills made him a very sought after person. He served the local residents of Brady Lake Village as a Councilman for 35 years and followed up as a member of the Village Board of Zoning Appeals and Planning Commission.
He is survived by his sons, Joseph (Kelly) Krak of Ellijay, GA, Greg Krak of Ravenna; daughters, Marcia (Bruce) Herbert of Akron, Jacque (John) Beckwith of Kent; grandchildren, Shannon (Mike) Evans, Tiffany Herbert, Joseph Beckwith, Ryan Beckwith, David Beckwith, Samuel Beckwith, Jacob Beckwith; great grandchildren, Chance Evans, Madison Evans. Riley Evans, and Nathaniel Herbert. Special thanks to Billie Jo Conti of Visiting Angels for her spectacular care as well as that from Robinson Visiting Nurse and Hospice of Robinson.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Alvera M. Krak; brothers, John Krak, Pete Krak; and sisters, Margaret Wanchick and Pauline Francis.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 AM Tuesday, July 23rd at St. Patrick Church with Father Richard Pentello officiating. Burial will be held at Standing Rock Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick Church, 313 N. DePeyster Street, Kent, OH 44240.