Edwin A. Kriz

Edwin A. Kriz

Edwin A. Kriz of Port Isabel, TX passed away on

Saturday, March 1, 2014 at Valley Baptist Hospital in Harlingen, TX. Ed was born on August 19, 1932 in Racine, WI to Edwin H. and Esther (Kleypel) Kriz. Ed attended St John’s Lutheran Grade School and graduated from Lutheran High School in Racine in 1950. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1952 during the Korean Conflict. After electronics training at Great Lakes Naval Station,

Ed served aboard the USS Des Moines, the flagship of

the 6th Fleet in the Mediterranean Sea.

Ed married his wife of 46 years, Darlene in 1968. They share four children and six grandchildren. Ed worked for AT&T for 31 years, working in Palmyra, WI as a microwave technician. His career took him to Chicago, IL, New York, NY, Kankakee, IL and Norway, IL. He served as Operations Manager prior to his retirement in 1987. Ed was active in numerous organizations. He obtained his pilot’s license in 1960 and joined Civil Air Patrol shortly thereafter. He served as a Squadron Commander, Group Commander and was on Wing Staff in both New Jersey and Illinois. He retired from Civil Air Patrol as a Lt. Colonel. He joined the Lions Club in 1977 and served as president in Sandwich, IL in 1987. Ed and Darlene lived in Sandwich, IL for 27 years and wintered in Port Isabel, TX for  more than 30 years taking up permanent residence in 2009. They are members of Fishers of Men Lutheran Church in Port Isabel. Ed was an avid traveler. He and Darlene visited 48 states in their motor home as well as Alaska and Hawaii on tours. They also enjoyed numerous trips to countries around the world. A long time amateur radio operator, Ed enjoyed conversations with stations in more than 150 countries.

Ed is survived by his loving wife, Darlene, four grown children Larry (Lucia) Kriz, Kathy Wood, Deb (Dave) Lee, Dale (Pam) Rowe along with six grandchildren, Jeremy Wood, Nick Wood, Diana Kriz, Bill Lee and Mike (Laura) Lee. Ed was preceded in death by his parents Edwin & Esther Kriz, brother Terry Kriz and infant daughter, Diana from his first marriage. The family wishes to express their appreciation to the staff at Canterbury Court and Memory Care as well as Dr. Kotta and the staff at Valley Baptist Hospital in Harlingen. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Fishers of Men Lutheran Church Parsonage Fund, Port Isabel, TX or charity of donor’s choice.