JOHN KRIHA

February 13, 1942 - October 28, 2017

John Edward Kriha, 75, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October28, 2017. John was born February 13, 1942 in Oshkosh WI, to the late Edward and Theresa (Kuklinski) Kriha. He graduated from Oshkosh High School in 1960, where he played football. He then went on to work at the American Legion, Ray's Beverage, which he eventually bought and ran until 1989. He then worked for H. Derksen and Son's, managed Utica Golf Club for several years , then worked at Winagamie Golf Course until his retirement. He enjoyed traveling to Arizona for the winter months ,playing golf, watching/attending Green Bay Packer games, playing Yahtzee, The Kingston Trio as well as cooking and entertaining. He was a lifetime member of The Oshkosh Elks Club. He married Jane Bast in Minoqua, WI on January 11, 1964. Together they raised their three daughters. After 25 years, the marriage ended. John met his best friend, love and life companion, Jean Plante in 2001. They were together until his passing. John is survived by his love Jean Plante of Appleton, WI; daughters, Kathy Martin, Conover, WI and her children, Hannah (Alex) Balza, Adam (Jade) Martin, Ellen (Matt) Martin; Susan (Vince) Marflak, Chandler, AZ; and Jean Walter, Oshkosh, WI. Other survivors include his former wife, Jane Dodson of Casa Grande,Az; sister, Barbara (Dennis) Berlowski of Janesville; Aunts, Mary F. Kriha and Dorothy Kuklinski of Oshkosh, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. John was preceded in death by his parents, Edward R. and Theresa Kriha and sister, Mary Schaeffer. A Memorial service will be held on Wednesday, November 1, 2017, at Fiss & Bills-Poklasny Funeral Home, 865 Westhaven Drive, Oshkosh. Visitation will be from 10 -11 a.m., with a short service to follow. Burial will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established.