Obituary of Michael John Krylowicz

Michael J. Krylowicz of Blue Island, formerly of Chicago’s West Pullman Neighborhood, born November 5, 1932 to Josef and Mariana nee Kret, the last of eight children.  At rest in Christ, November 10, 2017, with his loving wife Louise nee Angel at his side, leaving his 14 children, Rev. Mark Krylowicz, Mary Krylowicz (Mike Kaliski), Margaret (Paul) Nelson, Martha (George) Stuart, Monica (Ken) de Groh, Marlene (Christopher) Adams, Montana Krylowicz, Marcella (Gary) Hicks, Melissa Krylowicz, Matthew (Valerie) Krylowicz, Melody Krylowicz, Miles (Michelle) Krylowicz , Martin (Trisha) Krylowicz and Merrill (Katherine) Krylowicz, 26 grandchildren, Nicholas (Julaine) Denny, Jessica Krylowicz, Elizabeth Turrisi, Louise Krylowicz, Erica Turrisi, Erin Denny, Daniel Krylowicz, Katrina (Eric) Maldonado, Emily (Kerry) Ludden, Kenneth de Groh, Matthew ‘Matty’ (Samantha) Krylowicz, Wesley Krylowicz, Kurtis Nelson, Ava de Groh, Colin Denny, Samantha Richter, Janine Adams, Devin Krylowicz, Brooke Adams, Isabella Bodini, Makenna Krylowicz, Dimitri Krylowicz, Abigail Krylowicz, Audra Krylowicz, Natalie Krylowicz and Michael Krylowicz and 9 great-grandchildren, Tyler Denny, Hayden Krylowicz, Lorelei Denny, Stella Denny, Laila Maldonado, Morgan Krylowicz, Zosia Krylowicz, Easton Slagle and Baby Lietz.

Michael attended Grade School at Assumption BVM Parish (1947), graduated from Fenger High School in 1951.  He served the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict 1952-56.  He worked with the Carpenter’s Union for a few years. He was the first in his family to attend College—Alliance College in Cambridge Springs, Pennsylvania, graduating from Loyola University of Chicago with a Bachelor of Arts Degree with certification in Social Work in 1961.  It was during his time in college he fell in love and married his wife Louise Angel on September 5, 1959.

Michael had a passion for walking with the poor and disadvantaged, worked as a Case Worker for the Cook County Department of Public Aid and later as an Appeals Hearing Officer for Illinois Department of Public Aid for 45 years.  He traveled the entire State of Illinois and every neighborhood of the City of Chicago with an ear to the poor, seeking justice.  His faith dictated the seeking of options for the poor, the sick, and the lonely.

His greatest passion was his children, who always had the best Halloween costumes, pinewood derby cars, science projects, school reports, parade floats, and each knew how to sing.  He served the community as a Scout Leader for Packs #3721, #4788, and #788.  He served his Parish of St. Benedict in Blue Island as President of the Holy Name, Extra-ordinary Minister of Communion, Minister to the Sick, Lector, St. Vincent DePaul Society, Catechist, and Scout Master.  He was also a board member of the Blue Island Historical Society.  His annual Mayslake Franciscan Retreat kept him corrected. The family lived simply and humbly, a vacation was economically and logistically impossible, but Michael’s community activity created opportunity for the children to experience the best of this world.

Visitation Wednesday, November 15, 2017 from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Krueger Funeral Home, 13050 S. Greenwood Ave., Blue Island.  Lying in state Thursday from 9:00 am until the time of mass at 10:00 am at St. Benedict Church, 2339 York St., Blue Island. Interment Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Chicago. Please, no flowers,  mass intentions preferred at your home parish, St. Benedict or St. Anthony of Padua Church are requested. 708-388-1300 www.kruegerfuneral.com