Edward P. Krawczyk

Edward P. Krawczyk

October 22, 2019

Age 89.  Preceded in death by parents, Josephine and Frank Krawczyk; granddaughter, Mary Kathleen Krawczyk.  Survived by Marj (Kastl) Krawczyk; children: Ken Krawczyk, Karol Carroll (Jim), and J.G. Krawczyk (Kathie); grandchildren: Steve, Lindsay, Kevin, Jimmy and Emily Carroll, Dan, Andrew, David, Steven and Joseph Krawczyk; brother, Bernie Krawczyk (Carol).

The family will receive friends on Friday, October 25^th from 6pm to 7:30pm at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 4810 Woolworth Ave., followed by VIGIL SERVICE at 7:30pm.  MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Saturday, October 26^th at 10:30am, Holy Cross Catholic Church.  Interment, St. John Cemetery with military honors by American Legion Post #1.  Memorials are suggested to Holy Cross Catholic Church or as directed by the family.

Edward Peter Krawczyk “Papa”

Ed was born July 9, 1930, the ninth of eleven children, to poor Polish immigrants Frank and Josephine.  His nicknames included Papa, Ed-ek and Hannigan. Life at home included Polish Catholic customs, especially at Easter and Christmas. He grew up in St. Stanislaus parish in South Omaha, receiving Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation. Ed was a stand-out player in CYO baseball and golf.  He attended St. Stanislaus and Robbins grade schools and graduated from South High School in 1949. Ed worked at a Polish-owned grocery store and brought home meat instead of pay to help the family. He worked the family garden with his father and gave his golf caddy money to his mother to help with family expenses.

His teachers told Ed he only needed to worry about playing golf and winning. He did not disappoint—as a sophomore, he became the 1947 Class A Nebraska State Golf Champion. He was considered a serious contender for the World-Herald (W-H) Publinks Amateur Golf Tournament in 1947 as a sixteen-year old, catching headlines by ousting many veteran competitors.  Ed won two consecutive caddie titles from Field Club. A special moment came there for Ed when he caddied for Bob Hope and Bing Crosby at age sixteen. He won the Nebraska Junior Chamber of Conference Championship in Lincoln qualifying him for the National Junior Golf Tournament in Peoria, Illinois where he played against eventual golf pro, Gene Littler from San Diego.

Eddie Krawczyk was a familiar name and face in the W-H sports page for the next fifteen years—becoming runner up in the W-H Publinks four consecutive years (1956-1959).  The W-H described Ed as young, tall, likeable, and determined.   Ed credits his older brothers Stan, John, Steve and Ray and the caddy master at the Field Club with his start in golf. He would make headlines again with his first and only Hole-In-One at Dodge Park in 1959. The ace was scored with a seven iron on the 175-yard ninth hole. 

Ed proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War and was recognized at the Eastern Nebraska Veterans Home in 2012, receiving three medals for his participation 60 years earlier. Ed had the opportunity to meet General Douglas MacArthur at the end of his tour. 

Ed worked at the Union Stockyards as a carpenter for over 30 years.  It was there that he met Marj Kastl; they were wed in 1956.  Ed and Marj had three children; twins Ken and Karol in 1961, followed by James Gerard (J.G.) in 1963.  Ed was a long-time parishioner at Holy Cross parish where he served as an usher at Mass.  Ed liked to visit the track at AKSARBEN with his brother Steve. 

Ed loved his home, his grandchildren and playing/watching golf.  He was known for his sense of humor, including his many voice impressions including Donald Duck.  He was a well-known figure at the Eastern Nebraska Veterans Home, making many friends, and greeting people as they came in the door. He attended Mass weekly.   His greatest pride was his children and eleven grandchildren. Ed was blessed with a long life and will be missed by his family and friends.