KRYGIER, Arthur Anthony

The Daily Miner, Kingman, AZ - Published on February 26, 2012 - Arthur Anthony Krygier, Senior Master Sgt., United States Air Force, retired, entered into life on Sept. 30, 1927, in Bay City, Mich. He entered into rest on Friday, Feb. 3, 2012. He passed away at the age of 84 at Kingman Regional Medical Center. Arthur was known as "Art" by his friends and family. He was married to Emily Fincher on Sept. 19, 1953, in the county of Guadalupe, Texas, where they both were serving in the U.S. Air Force. Art also had served in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1946, and continued to serve in the U.S. Navy Reserves until enlisting into the Air Force in 1950. He retired on July 31, 1975, from the Air Force as a Senior Master Sgt. He was very proud of his 30 years and 2 days served, and if he could, would do it all over again. His many duties were senior in-flight refueling technician, gunner, scanner instructor, loadmaster, sanitation superintendent and many other duties as required. Some of the many medals that were awarded to him were the American Area Ribbon, Victory Ribbon and Asiatic Pacific Ribbon (Navy). Others included National Defense Medal, Good Conduct Medals, Air Medal with seven Oak Leaf Clusters, AFOUA with combat V device (Unit Citation), Aircrew member badge, top secret clearance and many others. He served as an in-flight refueling technician on KB 29, KC 97, and KC 135 Tankers. He served in World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam. Arthur was a dedicated airman and was proud to serve his country with dignity and honor. After retiring from Beale AFB, Calif., he worked at the Yuba Community College, Marysville, Calif., where he was an active volunteer and student in the horticultural department, including floral design. He also retired from the Department of Transportation (Caltrans) as a landscape maintenance worker in Marysville. Arthur was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 2563, Marysville; Moose Lodge, Yuba City, Calif.; a lifetime member of the DAV; the Air Force Sergeants Association; and was a third degree knight in the Knights of Columbus. Art is survived by his wife of 58 years, Emily; three children and their families, his son, Richard (Sabine) Krygier of Fairfield, Calif.; two daughters, Kitty (Dennis) Kramer of Woodland, Calif., and Michele (Tom) Boone of Kingman; five grandchildren, Sarah (Thane) Knutson, Shawn and Becca Kramer, and Anthony and Marie Boone; and in May, a first great-grandchild, Baby Knutson. He is also survived by a brother, Clarence (Vickie) Krygier; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, George and Mary (Michalak) Krygier, Dorothy Krygier, Romaine Torka, Maxine Dombrowski, Jeanette Stevens, Ernie Krygier, Leonard Krygier, George Krygier and Sal Krygier. Services were held Friday, Feb. 10, at the Desert Lawn Funeral Home in Mohave Valley, officiated by Father Peter Dobrowski. Private committal was at the Desert Lawn Memorial Gardens, Mohave Valley. The family has requested that if anyone would like to donate any memorials in Arthur's name, please donate to any Alzheimer's Association, VFW or DAV organizations, or to the hospice association in your local area.