Died peacefully in his home December 7th 2015 and Baptized into the hope of Christ’s Resurrection. John was born in Hartford CT on July 29th 1923 and grew up on a farm outside of Danbury. In 1943 he enlisted in the Army and served as a fighter pilot for the USAF achieving a rank of 2nd lieutenant, he later flew with the Missouri National Guard 110th Fighter Squadron. After the war he moved to St. Louis and began a 33 year career at McDonnell Douglas Aircraft where he worked his way up to Plant Superintendent of Bldg. #27 responsible for the production of machined parts.
Never afraid to try his hand at business challenges, John founded Points West Food Ranch Deli in 1969 at the corner of Market and 7th street downtown St. Louis in what was the former Buder Building, now Kiener Plaza. John pitched his “Stadium Special Sandwich” that became a favorite among customers including St. Louis Cardinal Football and Baseball Players who stopped by regularly for lunch. In 1972 John founded K&S Associates Inc. General Contractors and with his son Tom built the firm into a top 20 St. Louis Construction Co. with successful projects completed throughout the Midwest.
John was involved with numerous civic organizations including the World Trade Center St. Louis Sister Cities where he served as Committee Chairman for Szczecin Poland. John was a member of the St. Louis Ambassadors the St. Louis Council on World Affairs and numerous other professional and civic organizations.
John worked tirelessly in support of a successful class action lawsuit filed to force management at Boeing to maintain health benefits for retired McDonnel Douglas employees that were facing reductions in health benefits post retirement.
John was a loving father of eight children, grandfather of 20 and great grandfather of 15 he is survived by his children John (Diane) Kraska, Carolyn (Don) Butler, Philip Kraska, Mary Louise Kraska, Robin Kraska, Thomas (Susan) Kraska, Linda (David) Apted, Teresa (Chris) Dewitt.
Services: Visitation is from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Sunday, December 13th at Kutis Funeral Home, 10151 Gravois Road. Internment private. Donations can be made to the St. Louis Backstoppers.