Lester Krch
Lester Paul Krch, 79, died Jan. 12, 2002, at Napa, Calif.
He was born Jan. 23, 1922, at Pilsen to Joseph and Agnes Krch. In the 1930s the family moved to a farm west of Burns and he graduated from Burns High School in 1940.
He enlisted in the Navy Oct. 5, 1940, and after basic training was sent to the Philippine Islands where he was captured by the Japanese forces. He spent 44 months in a Japanese prison camp. During that time he received the Purple Heart, Army Distinguished Unit Badge, Philippine Defense, Asiatic-Pacific, American Defense, World War II Victory Medal, and a Good Conduct Medal.
In 1945, he received a letter signed by President Harry Truman expressing appreciation for fighting valiantly and suffering bravely and his gratitude for his safe return to the United States.
Upon his return to civilian life, he made a career as a concrete mason and was involved in the construction of the Chevron Building and the Hyatt Regency Hotel, among other buildings in San Francisco.
On March 29, 1947, he married Margaret Strotkamp, whose family had moved from Burns to California during the war. The couple built their home near Napa, Calif. Upon his retirement from Basalt Rock Co., Krch took special delight in the continued development and maintenance of his home site, which reflects his attention to artistic detail in landscaping. It is as serene and beautiful as a park.
Survivors include his wife Margaret of Napa; sisters, Mildred Andres of Oregon, Margie Strain of Danville, Pat Hill of Oregon, Tillie Bright of California; brothers, Albert Krch of Redding, George Krch of Nevada, Robert Krch of Oregon; numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.
The funeral Mass was held at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Napa. Burial was at Tulocay Cemetery.
