Obituary: Bill Krawisz, 1984-2011
Billy Krawisz and Travis Mann in Yosemite Valley. (Photo submitted by Lundy)
William E. Krawisz, Jr., age 26, of Mammoth Lakes, formerly of LaGrange Highlands, Iillinois, was killed in a traffic accident on September 10, 2011.
Bill was a great friend to many people in Mammoth and was a charismatic and memorable local resident.
According to the Wyoming Highway Patrol, the VW van Billy was riding in with good friend Travis Mann at the wheel was traveling westbound on Interstate 80 outside Laramie. The van was heading uphill in the slow lane when it was rear-ended by a semi-tractor trailer, causing the van to roll.
Mann was seriously injured in the crash, along with passengers Ashley Hailey, Chris Ricci.
Mann’s dog, Nova, also perished,
Bill was a great person. He loved to cook and worked as a butcher for many years in Chicago. He had an extensive music collection and liked to see bands on tour. In fact, he had just attended a Phish show in Denver. Bill was a Mammoth Mountain employee who loved his job and the fact that it allowed him to ski every day.
On his days off he explored the rest of the Eastern Sierra, fishing and hiking. He was very passionate about the mountains. He was a valuable friend and will be missed by many.
A celebration of life will be held at the Auld Dubliner on Wednesday Sept 21. Bill’s friends will also be gathering for a remembrance ceremony on Friday, Sept. 23 from 3-4 p.m. at Minaret Vista.
-Colin Lunday
The following obituary appeared Wednesday in the Chicago Tribune:
William E. Krawisz, Jr., age 26, of Mammoth Lakes, CA, formerly of LaGrange Highlands. Beloved son of William E. Krawisz, Sr. and Nancy Krawisz- Dougherty and stepson of Michael Dougherty; loving brother of Kelly, Cory and Carly; devoted grandson of Helen and the late Edmund Krawisz, the late Frank and the late Nancy Blumeyer. Dear friend to many. Visitation 3 to 9 p.m., Friday at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside. Prayers 10:45 a.m., Saturday from the funeral home to St. John of the Cross Church for Mass at 11:15 a.m. Interment is private. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Anti-Cruelty Society would be appreciated.
