Michael F. Kritz's Obituary
Michael F. Kritz, age 84, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2021 at home with his family by his side. He was born on February 4, 1937 in Oshkosh, a son of the late Henry and Virginia (Vallencourt) Kritz. Mike graduated from Oshkosh High School in 1955 and served proudly in the US Navy from 1955 – 1959. He married the former Sandra M. Klitzke on June 15, 1957 and the couple enjoyed almost 64 amazing years together. Mike was a produce manager at several grocery stores in Oshkosh and was well known for his friendly demeanor and outgoing personality. He had an enormous sense of humor and his laugh was unmistakeable. He was quite the jokester and loved telling one-liners! He was an avid bowler having bowled most of his life right up until he became ill. In 1985 he bowled a 300 game which was the first 300 game in Oshkosh City Tournament history. He was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan and experienced the thrill of watching them win the World Series in 2016. Mike greatly enjoyed and loved to fish, golf and garden. He also loved music having sang in a barbershop quartet in his younger days. He loved singing karaoke and play air guitar! He also loved to watch old war movies and was especially fond of Johnny Carson. “Hello Friends!” Mike was a lifelong member of St. Mary's Parish in Oshkosh and was a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles. Mike's family, children and grandchildren were his greatest joy. They spent many summers at Little Silver Lake.
Mike is survived by and his memory will be cherished by his wife Sandra; three children, Michael J. (Patricia) Kritz of Highlands Ranch, CO, Susan (Thomas) Gray of Omro, and Patricia (Jim) Theabo, Town of Nekimi; a brother, Daniel Kritz of Oshkosh and two sisters, Mary Kritz and Liz Kritz, both of Oshkosh. He is further survived by four grandchildren, Nathan (Jessica McHugh) Gray of Oshkosh, Rachel (Allen) Straka of Omro and Sarah and Adam Kritz of Highlands Ranch, CO; one great-grandson, Ryan Gray of Oshkosh; two step-grandchildren, Ashley (Mike Hershberger) Theabo and Whitney McHugh of Oshkosh; seven step-great grandchildren, Mia, Milo, Indyonah, Wyllow, Cora, Lila and Caroline, all of Oshkosh; sister and brother-in-laws, Gayle (Jim) Jurek and Faye (Ken) Reinert; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many very dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, mother and father-in-law and one sister, Adris Kritz, and sister and brother--in-law, Joan (Dan) Voelkel.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Mike on Wednesday, March 31, 2021 at 11:00 am in Most Blessed Sacrament Parish, St. Mary's Catholic Church, corner of Merritt and Monroe Streets in Oshkosh with the Rev. Tom Long officiating. A time of visitation will be held at the church on Wednesday from 9 am until the time of Mass. Masks and social distancing will be required. Entombment with full military honors will follow at Lake View Memorial Park. The family would like to extend special thanks to Compassus Hospice, Dr. Christopher Rocke and Dr. Jeffrey Andreini for the compassionate care that Mike received.
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