John Daniel Krupa Jr.

John grew up in Detroit, MI and graduated from Denby High School in 1948. From a young age, he had a deep love for baseball and the outdoors, often fishing with his father and hunting alongside his cousin Jim. After graduating from High School John first worked on an assembly line for The Ford Motor Company, before following in his father’s footsteps as a tool and die maker for Deluxe Tool and Die.

In June of 1952 John enlisted in the United States Coast Guard, serving proudly on the Cutters Duane, Chambers and Casco until September of 1954. He then served on the renowned Nantucket Light Ship from September of 1954 until his honorable discharge in December of 1955.

During his service, John met the love of his life, Anastasia Efthemeou in July of 1955. After completing his military duty, John returned to Detroit to marry his beloved Anastasia on May 26, 1956. He briefly returned to Deluxe Tool and Die before the couple had plans to move west to California. Initially relocating his parents to Denver – where his father worked for his uncle Frank – John and Anastasia were captivated by the beauty of the Rocky Mountains, and decided to make Denver their permanent home.

Over the next nine years John and Anastasia were blessed with having four children: John, Steven, Elaina and Matthew.

In 1957 John began working for Martin Marietta, contributing to several important projects, including a mockup of the Mercury Spacecraft Capsule for NASA. After a layoff, John was hired by the Rocky Flats Nuclear Weapons Plant in 1970, where he worked until his retirement in 1992 as the Manager of the Dimensional Metrology Department.

John’s passion for the outdoors never waned. Beyond his dedication to family, he found joy in camping, mountain climbing and big game hunting. He and his wife, and close friend were successful at climbing 24 of the state’s Fourteeners. Despite being diagnosed with cancer at the age of 68, and having heart bypass surgery at the age of 70, John continued to embrace his love of hunting and adventure well into his later years.

John is survived by his loving wife, Anastasia; son, John (Kathy), son, Steven (Sharon), daughter, Elaina (RJ) and son, Matthew. Sister, Christine (Jim). Grandchildren; Natalie (Jimmy), John Michael, Kira and Nicholas.

A devoted family man, John believed that a strong work ethic was the foundation of success and longevity. He faced life’s challenges with unwavering resilience. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him, inspiring us to carry forth his legacy of family devotion and hard work.

A visitation for John will be held Friday, September 26, 2025 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at Olinger Hampden Mortuary & Cemetery, 8600 East Hampden Ave, Denver, CO 80231. A funeral service will occur Friday, September 26, 2025 at 11:30 AM. A committal service will occur Friday, September 26, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 4400 W Kenyon Ave, Denver, CO 80236.