John Kremenich
1936 – 2024
![image of John Kremenich](https://cdn.bartonfuneral.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/24080254/John-Kremenich-1.jpg)
John Kremenich
John Kremenich, current resident of Puyallup, and former long-time resident of West Seattle, was called home in the early morning hours of June 11th, 2024.
John was born to Petar and Mary Kremenich, in the village of Kornic,’ on the island of Krk, Croatia (former Yugoslavia) in 1936. John would have much rather stayed in his beloved village tending to his animals, growing olives & grapes in the family orchard, and farming with his loving grandfather, but America was the premier destination and land of opportunity at the time, and so began John’s journey and legacy. He begrudgingly emigrated to the United States in 1954, to join the rest of his family, residing in the Croatian Riverside Community in West Seattle, and began working for the railroad with his father, as well as catching the eye of his future bride.
Even though he was not yet a U.S. citizen, he was drafted and proudly served in the U.S. Army, stationed in the Korean demilitarized zone, after the Korean War. After his discharge he returned to West Seattle, working for the railroad and rekindling his romance with his sweetheart, Eleanor, laying down his roots and starting his own family, raising three children.
John was a hard-working, self-made man, proud of his Croatian heritage, but extremely grateful for the opportunities given him in America, learning English on his own and constantly striving to improve himself. He exemplified the American Dream, that if you worked hard, and believed in yourself, anything was possible, a belief that he often talked about and passed onto his family and friends. He possessed an uncanny mechanical aptitude which enabled him to troubleshoot and fix most anything, always willing to “pay it forward” and lend a hand with his expertise to those that needed it, and pass on his knowledge so that others could benefit. This perseverance and talent allowed him to move on from the railroad, eventually working for United Airlines as well as a host of major hotel complexes and chains, maintaining mechanical, HVAC and refrigeration systems, which culminated in a career as Head Building Engineer for the Safeco Corporation, responsible for the daily mechanical operations of the University District Safeco Tower as well as oversight over all the major East/West Coast Safeco facilities…quite the accomplishment for a young man arriving from Eastern Europe decades earlier, unable to speak English, with nothing more than the shirt on his back.
John & his wife remained long-time West Seattle residents as empty-nesters, and after retirement, moved to Puyallup to enjoy their golden years where John could spend his free time doing the things that he loved…gardening and tending to his beloved roses and meticulous landscaping, making frequent trips to the family vacation cabin retreat, traveling for pleasure and to visit his out-of-state family, and enjoying visits from his family and friends. John was a quiet, soft-spoken man, devoted to the lives of his family members and friends, as well as those close to them, and although folks may not realize it, he did whatever he could behind the scenes without any fanfare, to ensure their success.
John is survived by his loving wife of over 60 years, Eleanor Kremenich, Son and Daughter-in-law Allan & Diane Kremenich, granddaughter Shelby Kremenich, daughter Lisa Caffee, grandson Matthew Caffee, sister Frances Petervary and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death and welcomed home by his eldest daughter, Theresa Kremenich-Gallagher. Services will be held at All Saints Parish, 503 3rd St SW, Puyallup WA 98371 on August 10th, 2024 at 11:00 am with reception following. A private graveside service with family will occur at Forest Lawn Cemetery in West Seattle at a later date.
Services for John will be live-streamed at the following link:
Funeral Liturgy – John Kremenich (youtube.com)
The bells of The Church of St. James in John’s native village of Kornic’ rang out in sorrow on June 17th, 2024 to honor the loss of one of their own, and to call him home. There are many words to describe the impression John had on the lives of his family and friends, but his nephew summed it up best: “He was always the best man in the room, the kindest, the most sincere and our world without him will be a bit smaller.”
7 Responses to “John Kremenich”
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I grew up across the street from the Kremenich’s. Allen and Terry are my Godfather and Godmothers. John let me drive his bulldozer when I was 6 at their family’s cabin it was an awesome experience. He also took me fishing at the cabin my first time. He was very patient and kind. Incredibly hard working. His yard was always in perfect condition would see him out there working or in the garage everyday.
I have so many memories of being at John and Eleanor’s house visiting with my grandfather and my mom. John and my grandpa had a special relationship and it always made me smile when I would sit and listen to them. I like to think they are chatting together again.
I only had 2 Uncles in my life. My Uncle Chuck we lost many many years ago. Uncle John was always my go to guy when I needed some mechanical or electrical guidance. He even helped build a crystal radio for my 7th grade science project. He was always so helpful and I learned a lot from him and he had been my life for over 65 years. We always had dinner together with our whole families during the holidays for many years. I’m so glad my 2 Sons were able to spend around 40 years knowing him. He’s the guy I’ve molded myself after as an Uncle to my 2 Nephews. Going to miss you Uncle. I feel so fortunate to have had you in my life as my Uncle. Rest in peace my good man and I’ll see you on the other side❤️
“Way back when”, in Holy Rosary High School, my older sister Joan was helping Frances Kremenich to adjust to the new American Catholic High School and to learn English. I, 4 years younger, remember sitting with them in Frances’ home in the Riverside area of West Seattle and hearing the excitement that her brother, John, was soon to come.
Eleanor, also Croatian, was one of my dearest friends and we all waited excitedly to meet Frances’ brother. The rest is the wonderful history we all know. Theirs was a history of love, of family, of commitment to others and an inspiration to all. John had all the attributes you could want in a good man. He will be missed by all, especially by dear Eleanor who also remains in our thoughts and prayers.
The world is a lesser place without John, a man of honor, character, and respect. May he rest in peace. We will miss his friendship.
I’ve known Allan since the fourth grade. Whenever I visited your home your folks always made me feel at home. Mr. Kremenich ( I can’t call him by his first name too much respect. Mr Kremenich knew so many things and often times you would find him in the garage fixing something or working in the yard. He always had a smile. Al your mom is and your dad was the salt of the earth! A big hug for your mom and God speed may you rest in peace Mr. Kremenich I love you Allan. Tom
…nemamo rijeci kojima bi opisali tugu i žalost kada smo saznali da John vise nije medju nama..
Ali, putnici smo na ovom svijetu i znam da ćemo se ponovno sresti kod Svemogućeg Boga.
Svatko tko je poznavao Johna zna kakav je on bio čovjek- dobar, velikodušan, čestit, pravedan, pravi obiteljski čovjek i voljeni suprug našoj Eleonori.
Ne možemo ni zamisliti kako se ona sada osjeća i njihova djeca s obiteljima…
Tijekom Domovinskog rata i srpske agresije na našu Domovinu Hrvatsku John i Eleonor su nam puno pomogli. Imali su puno srce ljubavi i empatije.
Bog ih blagoslovio a Johnu dao pokoj vječni, počivao u miru!
Naša sućut svim članovima obitelji…