Obituary for Joan R. Krenzer
Joan Ross Krenzer, of Oak Park; beloved wife of John; loving mother of Julie Krenzer (Glen) Frybarger, John (Alexis Prescott) Krenzer and the late James Ross Krenzer; cherished grandmother of Shaina, G, Anna, and Jake, and Chase and Chance; dear sister of Suellen (Tim) Lee; caring aunt of Elsa Lee (Kurt Nilsson) and Tim (Maria) Lee; great-aunt of Kaisa and Olin Nilsson and Alma Lee; cherished cousin and friend.
Joan took her last breath in the same hospital where she took her first breath, 81 years ago. She was born at Oak Park Hospital on March 25, 1936, attended Whittier Elementary School and OPRF High School. She loved growing up in Oak Park with her little sister, Suellen, taking family road trips all across the country. She graduated from Knox College, where she met her beloved husband of 57 years, John Krenzer. They raised their family in Oak Park, where she enjoyed teaching piano to a multitude of young students.
When she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer 12 years ago, Joan said, “so this is how it is going to end.” But instead, it was the beginning of a wonderful period in her life. She and John travelled and watched their amazing grandchildren grow up. She was happiest when talking to her grandchildren and hearing about their band programs, sports events, and school anecdotes. Joan continued to climb the 260 twisting stairs, Quasimoto-style, up to the top of the carillon at Rockefeller Chapel where, for thirty years, she played music on the bells for all to hear. She and John loved riding their bikes along the lakefront and going to concerts at Millennium Park. Joan’s favorite things were her family and friends. She always welcomed visitors to her house with open arms, treats, and a personalized chalkboard greeting. She celebrated life’s big and small moments, sending special homemade cards for every occasion. She will be truly missed.
A special thanks to Dr. Usha and her team at Rush Medical Center, for giving Joan 12 wonderful bonus years!
Memorial visitation 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday April 13 at Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home, 203 S. Marion St., Oak Park. Private interment Chapel Hill Gardens Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to Hephzibah Home (hephzibahhome.org) are appreciated.
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Memorial Visitation
Thursday
13
Apr
3:00 PM
- 6:00 PM
Drechsler Brown & Williams Funeral Home
203 South Marion Street
Oak Park, IL 60302
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