Kris Krzycki

A drian "Kris" Krzycki, age 95, peacefully passed away on October 31, 2023, at his residence in Centennial Park Retirement Village, North Platte, NE.

Kris was born March 7, 1928, to Vince and Lottie Krzycki on the family farm near Farwell, NE.  His father died when he was 2 years old, and when he was 6, he moved to North Platte with his mother and brother. Kris graduated from St. Patrick High School in 1946.

He enlisted in the Navy in 1946, and served in Japan and the South Pacific.  Following an honorable discharge in 1948, Kris returned to North Platte and worked for his future father-in-law, Chuck Flint, as a meat cutter at the Sixth Street Market.

Kris met the love of his life, Louise Flint, at Joe's Supper Club in North Platte, and they were the first couple married in St. Patrick's Catholic Church, on November 11, 1950. They moved to California for a couple of years, but soon returned to Nebraska in 1953.

From 1958-1962, Kris and Louise managed the Arrowhead Restaurant in Scottsbluff, NE, then moved to Longmont, CO, where they owned and operated the Black Angus Drive Inn from 1962-1966. They returned to North Platte in 1966 and bought Merrick's Ranch House. Kris, Louise, and their family all worked at the restaurant until 1982, when they sold it to Bob and Jackie Karre.

Kris loved golf and playing cards every Tuesday with his family. He spent 12 years with his special friend, Frances Johnson. They loved traveling and spending time with each other and their families.

Kris was a loving husband, a wonderful father, and a role-model for his children and grandchildren. He was "one in a million," just like his father-in-law used to say about his daughter, Louise.

Kris was a longtime member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus, where he served as Grand Knight.  He was also a member of the Eagles, the Elks, the VFW, and the American Legion.

Kris leaves behind two daughters, Carrie Pruckler Rauff (Rich Olver) of Lakewood, CO, and Lori (Tim) Jorgensen of North Platte; two sons, John Krzycki (Hilda Wright) of North Platte and Joseph (Joni) of Columbus, OH; seven grandchildren, Jennifer Schlake (David), Jon Krzycki (Nealie), Rich Pruckler (JoAnn), Eric Jorgensen (Amy), David Jorgensen, Kelley Barnard (Stephan), and Laura Krzycki.  He also leaves behind great grandchildren, Lily, Will, Wyatt, Rylee, Andrew, Molly, Trevor Cami, Eleanor and Henry; and sisters-in-law, Jean Dowhower, Earlene Parish, and Mary Flint; plus many nieces, nephews and other family.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Louise; his special companion, Frances Johnson; his parents; brother, Lavern Krzycki; brothers-in-law, Earle Flint, Albert Dowhower, Harold Parish and Frank Flint; and sisters-in-law, Donna Flint, Lynnette Pettit, and Judy Bricker.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 9, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, with Celebrant Father Richard Piontkowski. Burial with military honors will follow at Fort McPherson National Cemetery.  Visitation is Wednesday, November 8 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with a special family gathering from 4-5 p.m., at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which  is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation.