Kevin John Krizka

Kevin John Krizka passed suddenly on February 19, 2026, just weeks after celebrating his 76th birthday on February 1st. His passing has left a deep, aching silence in the hearts of all who loved him a silence only someone with a presence as steady and grounding as Kevin’s could leave behind.

Kevin was a strong, man with a soft and gentle heart. He showed his love through action: by being there, by fixing what was broken, by opening his home, and by standing firm for the people he loved.

He leaves behind his devoted wife, Kathy Krizka, who was honored to share 53 beautiful, loving years by his side. Kevin and Kathy were the kind of people who didn’t just talk about kindness, they lived it. Together, they opened their home and their hearts to kids who needed a place to land, creating safety, warmth, and belonging for those who needed it most. That was the kind of man Kevin was: steady, compassionate, and willing to make room at the table for anyone who needed it.

Proud and loving father to Kristopher Krizka, who carries the love and memory of Tarsha close in his heart; Kolleen (Michael) Duran; Keith Krizka; Kassandra (Carmen) Medina; Katie (Tony) Wisniewski; and Peter (Hannah) Williamson, who was chosen and loved as a son in every way that matters.

He was a cherished grandfather to Keith Krizka, Karson Krizka, Landen Krizka, Jax Krizka, Kennedy Krizka, Olivia Medina, Ava Medina, Torrance Wisniewski, Anthony Wisniewski, Joey Wisniewski and Erik & Joshua Williamson. Kevin was also a beloved brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend to many.

He is survived by his best buddy and fishing partner of over 60 years, Russ “NIX” Aurich, a steady friendship forged through time, water, and shared silence.

Kevin is now reunited with those who went before him, his parents, Jacob and Sophie Krizka, and his adored sister, Madeline (Bob) Revers.

Kevin was deeply proud of his career as a stationary engineer with the Chicago Tribune. He truly loved what he did and often said he would still be there if he could. His work gave him a deep well of knowledge, and he became a true jack of all trades. Whether it was electrical work, plumbing, or a project that just needed a steady hand.

Kevin discovered a deep love for gardening, perhaps born from his love of being outdoors in the sun. For over 50 years, he tended flowers, vegetables, and tomatoes. He truly had a green thumb, and his backyard became a reflection of who he was full of life, care, and quiet beauty.

Kevin found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He was an avid bowler and spent countless hours at the bowling alley with Kathy and his buddies. He also loved to fish, and many long days were spent out on the shore with his best buddy NIX. Their families joked that those two would probably go together one day, out on the water where they were happiest.

Though he is no longer with us in body, Kevin’s presence lives on in the family he built, the people he helped, the home he opened, the garden he tended, and the countless lives that are better because he was part of them. He will be deeply missed, endlessly loved, and forever remembered.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 26th from 4:00–8:00 p.m. at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 4727 W. 103rd Street, Oak Lawn, IL 60453.

Morning prayers will begin at 10:20 a.m. on Friday, February 27th at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, followed by a procession to First Church of God, 4600 W. 111th Street, Oak Lawn, IL 60453, for a funeral service at 11:00 a.m.

Committal will take place at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Alsip, Illinois.