Michael Krywaruczenko

Michael “Mike” Krywaruczenko

Mike passed away peacefully on July 1st, at home and among family. He was the devoted husband of Antonia, father of Antoinette (James) Behan and Michael Jr.; loving son of Lawrence and Maria Krywaruczenko; dear brother of Gregory and Petro, and the late Ivan, Fedor and Antonina; a dear grandfather (Dida) of Victoria, Bridget and Brandon; and a kind uncle of many nieces and nephews.

Mike was a very religious man and his strong faith in God resonated in who he was. He was a faithful member of St. Pokrowa Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Chicago and later at St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Bloomingdale.

He lost his father at the age of five and gladly shouldered the responsibilities of his late father by taking care of his mother, Maria and younger brother Gregory after they came to the United States in 1950. He worked hard from a young age to support and provide a good home for his mother and brother. He went to night school to learn English. In his early years, he enjoyed playing soccer with his friends and going to church dances.

Later, he met his sweetheart and soul mate, Antonia (Toni) and they were married in 1965 after six months of courtship. He knew he would marry Toni the moment he saw her (before he even knew her!) Mike and Toni were married for 55 wonderful and blessed years.

Mike was a humble man, a great problem solver and had a tremendous aptitude for mechanical work and robotics. He actually invented and built two machines for factory production at previous employers.

During his family years, Mike was a very devoted father to his two children. He felt it was important to share special memories with his family and always took his family on an annual vacation. Mike’s love of soccer trickled into his family years. He was an assistant coach to Mike Jr.’s soccer team for several years and the team went on to win several championships. Mike loved soccer until his last days, loved nature, and spending time traveling. His later years were spent going on long walks with his wife and spending time enjoying his grandkids. We love you and we miss you! May the Lord bless Mike’s soul!