Casimir “KC” Kramarczyk, 73, peacefully passed over on Tuesday evening, September 17, 2019 in his home with his beloved wife, Karen, at his bedside.
KC’s parents, John Kramarczyk and Leontyna Dubiel, had both been taken prisoners as teenagers in their native Poland when it was invaded and occupied by Germany during WWII. They had been transported back to Germany to work for the Third Reich. KC was born in Hamburg, Germany May 21, 1946. In 1951, after the war had ended and Germany was defeated, his family was granted status as “displaced persons” and allowed to immigrate to the United States of America. KC could still vividly remember the ship, meeting and spending time with the sailors, seeing the Statue of Liberty for the first time and going through the processing on Ellis Island. After a long train ride, the
family made their new home on the South Side of Chicago, Back-Of-The-Yards in a polish neighborhood, where he would grow up.
In 1965, KC enlisted in the United States Army, serving in Vietnam; B Co, 2/12 Inf, 3rd Brig, 4th and 25th Inf Div, Point-Flank. He saw action including and taking part in the Battle of Operation Junction City. He was honorably discharged in 1967 after completing his tour of duty and was awarded the Vietnam Medal, Vietnam Badge and the Combat Infantryman Badge. All the men that he served with and met, always remained in his heart. He kept in touch with many of his “brothers” over these past years. Felipe, who had been in a mortar unit, that KC had met while in Nam, came out from Texas for a visit this past spring. They re-lived many memories of those days long ago with lots of laughs, some tears, and good quality moments of silence and respect of the young men they once were. He was always proud of his military service. KC appreciated and loved this country, and was a true patriot.
In 1995, KC moved from Illinois to Arizona, finding just the right spot, building his home just outside of Apache Junction nearer to the Superstition Mountains. After a few years of working on the landscaping and getting settled in, KC constructed his “dream” garage. He hung the ceiling, painted and wired all of it, adding his own individual personal touches. In this garage was always where you would find him on any given day. As everyone knew, if the garage door was up, you were welcome.
KC is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Karen Hyland; his mother Leontyna; his brother Edward (Mary); and his two children, David (Pamela) and Diane. Also, surviving is a wonderful grandson, Michael. He was preceded in death by his father, John.
KC was a member of the American Legion, VFW and Fraternal Order of Eagles, where he had spent many, many hours with fellow veterans and friends.
A memorial service with military honors will be held Tuesday, October 1, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery, 7900 E. Main St. Mesa, Arizona 85207.
A Veterans Memorial and Celebration of KC’s Life will be held at a later date this winter.
In lieu of flowers or cards, it is requested that you smile, laugh and treat yourself and others kindly. KC had a great love of all animals and accepted the circle of life all around him.
Anyone who knew KC, will testify that he lived his life on “his own terms”. Rest in peace, you will be missed dearly. Love leaves a memory that no one can steal.