Mr John E Kriss Jr's Obituary
John E. Kriss Jr.
August 11, 1948 - July 27, 2025
Dixon, CA
John E. Kriss Jr., a devoted husband, father, and public servant, passed away peacefully at the age of 76 in Dixon, CA. He leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, and dedication to his family and friends.
John spent 35 remarkable years serving the federal government in Oakland, CA, as a Project Manager and Planner and Estimator in Public Works at Oakland Naval Supply. His expertise and commitment earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and the broader community. After a fulfilling career, John retired at the age of 52, ready to enjoy more time with his loved ones and pursue his passions.
Above all, John was a loving family man. He cherished his wife of 56 years, Shirley Kriss, and their children, Stephanie Kriss and Brian Kriss, and his beloved dog, Cheyenne. His family was his rock, and he took immense pride in their accomplishments. Uncle Johnny as he was affectionately called, also shared a special bond with his nephew, Michael Thelander, and his nieces, Pamela (Ray) Mera, Dawn Thelander (Cody) and Diane Thelander.
Family and food were two of John's greatest joys. He loved to eat and was always eager to try new cuisines, savoring every bite and sharing his discoveries with those around him. His enthusiasm for food brought people together and created lasting memories.
John was a skilled handyman, known for his ability to fix just about anything. Whether it was a leaky faucet, a broken appliance, or a complex project, John's resourcefulness and ingenuity made him the go-to problem solver for family and friends. He could fix anything that was broken, and he could also build anything he set his mind to - from a gazebo to a deck, John's creativity and skill left a lasting impact on those around him.
John was preceded in death by his father, John E. Kriss Sr., his mother, Josephine Castaldo Kriss, and his sister, Carol Kriss Thelander.
John's family deeply loved him, more than he could ever possibly know and his memory will live on through them and the countless lives he touched.
What’s your fondest memory of John?
What’s a lesson you learned from John?
Share a story where John's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with John you’ll never forget.
How did John make you smile?

