Obituary for Oscar Henry ""Oz" " Krebs
Oscar "Oz" Henry Krebs, was born at Hartford Hospital December 27, 1921, son of Henry Alexander and Alvena Meister Krebs. Oz was raised and remained in West Hartford his entire life, graduating from Hall High in 1940. Growing up in the depression had a profound effect on his values. When he was 7 years old, his carpenter father fell off a roof and broke his back. Oz being the eldest of 3 children secured two paper routes, shoveled driveways, and delivered groceries via a push cart to help provide for the family. From that moment on, hard work became part of his DNA.
After high school, with our country at war, Oz enlisted in the US Army Air force. He was stationed in Norwich, England working on B24 and B17 bomber navigation systems. He was quickly promoted to Tech Sergeant and he received several commendations for his work ethic and proficiency.
He was fluent in German which was spoken in his boyhood home. His involvement in translating with and for German POWs earned him the respect from both prisoners and his commanding officers. While in England, he witnessed firsthand the devastation of ships, planes, and cities, along with loss of life. During post-war duty in Europe, he had the opportunity to take a turn down the bobsled run of the Winter Olympics which, as one can imagine, was quite a thrill.
Upon returning to the states he met the love of his life, Eileen Dick, at a YMCA dance. She said that his greatest quality was that before he took her home after a date, he always made sure she had dinner. They were soon married and they shared 67 years together as lifelong partners. He said "she was the best thing that ever happened to me." Eileen passed in 2016.
After being honorably discharged, he returned to West Hartford. He joined the West Hartford police department in 1949, walking the night beat patrol. Having a new baby proved difficult to sleep during the day. He soon met and was hired by a new start-up company, West Hartford Tool and Die. He became their first full-time employee. He was promoted to general manager and retired after 40 years of dedicated service. He liked to do things precisely, a gifted machinist, which carried over into his home projects. He was a life-long learner attending many seminars and courses.
Oz was deeply committed to his family, which included caring for his ageing parents, walking two miles a night, rain or shine, to visit them. He exercised daily which served him well into his late elderly years. ''Use it or lose it" was his mantra. It was common to find him doing exercises in the middle of the night well into his nineties.
As kids, we shoveled our driveway and sidewalk, then off to our grandparents to shovel theirs all before school. He said "it builds character" and I catch myself saying that to my children and grandchildren. Building character and being a good citizen was so important to him. He spent many hours keeping the house in great condition. He finished/repainted every room multiple times while maintaining upkeep on the house and his parents' home as well. He loved to fly fish and tied his own flies.
His passion for over 14 years was square dancing with Eileen. On his 99th birthday, when asked what the greatest joy of his life was, he responded, "dancing with Eileen." They belonged to the Shooting Stars Square Dance Club where they developed many friendships and made great memories. Later in life, he fought and survived several kinds of cancer, never giving in or giving up. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister Lillian Dillon (Robert) and brother Richard Krebs (Barbara).
Survivors include Linda Krebs Lascelles (Steve Yaw) of Litchfield, NH, Cheryl Krebs Fulk (Doug) of Lebanon, OR, and Kyle Krebs of South Windsor, CT.
Incredibly accomplished grandchildren of whom he was so proud are: Nicole Laselles Stich (Robert) of NH, Brandon Lascelles (Stephanie) of CA, Bethenie Lukl of WA, Natalie Krebs and Benjamin Krebs of CT. Great-grandchildren Shelby Davis Workinger (Jon), and Madeline Davis of NH; Siena and Lucca Lascelles of CA; great-great grandchildren Wyatt and Vivian Workinger of NH; nephew Doug Dobles (Peggy) of CT; nieces Susan Messina of NV, Victoria Krebs (Dan) of NC, and Danielle Brooks Spencer of RI. He also leaves a very special lifelong family friend, Ginny Kiely. Calling hours will be private at this time. Any donations can be made to Wounded Warriors. He was a good man and so proud to be a part of the West Hartford/Elmwood community.
A special thanks to Dr. Susan Stone and Dr. Paricia Chioffi, at the VA, for provided wonderful care to him.
Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com
After high school, with our country at war, Oz enlisted in the US Army Air force. He was stationed in Norwich, England working on B24 and B17 bomber navigation systems. He was quickly promoted to Tech Sergeant and he received several commendations for his work ethic and proficiency.
He was fluent in German which was spoken in his boyhood home. His involvement in translating with and for German POWs earned him the respect from both prisoners and his commanding officers. While in England, he witnessed firsthand the devastation of ships, planes, and cities, along with loss of life. During post-war duty in Europe, he had the opportunity to take a turn down the bobsled run of the Winter Olympics which, as one can imagine, was quite a thrill.
Upon returning to the states he met the love of his life, Eileen Dick, at a YMCA dance. She said that his greatest quality was that before he took her home after a date, he always made sure she had dinner. They were soon married and they shared 67 years together as lifelong partners. He said "she was the best thing that ever happened to me." Eileen passed in 2016.
After being honorably discharged, he returned to West Hartford. He joined the West Hartford police department in 1949, walking the night beat patrol. Having a new baby proved difficult to sleep during the day. He soon met and was hired by a new start-up company, West Hartford Tool and Die. He became their first full-time employee. He was promoted to general manager and retired after 40 years of dedicated service. He liked to do things precisely, a gifted machinist, which carried over into his home projects. He was a life-long learner attending many seminars and courses.
Oz was deeply committed to his family, which included caring for his ageing parents, walking two miles a night, rain or shine, to visit them. He exercised daily which served him well into his late elderly years. ''Use it or lose it" was his mantra. It was common to find him doing exercises in the middle of the night well into his nineties.
As kids, we shoveled our driveway and sidewalk, then off to our grandparents to shovel theirs all before school. He said "it builds character" and I catch myself saying that to my children and grandchildren. Building character and being a good citizen was so important to him. He spent many hours keeping the house in great condition. He finished/repainted every room multiple times while maintaining upkeep on the house and his parents' home as well. He loved to fly fish and tied his own flies.
His passion for over 14 years was square dancing with Eileen. On his 99th birthday, when asked what the greatest joy of his life was, he responded, "dancing with Eileen." They belonged to the Shooting Stars Square Dance Club where they developed many friendships and made great memories. Later in life, he fought and survived several kinds of cancer, never giving in or giving up. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister Lillian Dillon (Robert) and brother Richard Krebs (Barbara).
Survivors include Linda Krebs Lascelles (Steve Yaw) of Litchfield, NH, Cheryl Krebs Fulk (Doug) of Lebanon, OR, and Kyle Krebs of South Windsor, CT.
Incredibly accomplished grandchildren of whom he was so proud are: Nicole Laselles Stich (Robert) of NH, Brandon Lascelles (Stephanie) of CA, Bethenie Lukl of WA, Natalie Krebs and Benjamin Krebs of CT. Great-grandchildren Shelby Davis Workinger (Jon), and Madeline Davis of NH; Siena and Lucca Lascelles of CA; great-great grandchildren Wyatt and Vivian Workinger of NH; nephew Doug Dobles (Peggy) of CT; nieces Susan Messina of NV, Victoria Krebs (Dan) of NC, and Danielle Brooks Spencer of RI. He also leaves a very special lifelong family friend, Ginny Kiely. Calling hours will be private at this time. Any donations can be made to Wounded Warriors. He was a good man and so proud to be a part of the West Hartford/Elmwood community.
A special thanks to Dr. Susan Stone and Dr. Paricia Chioffi, at the VA, for provided wonderful care to him.
Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com