Leo Krist

Leo was born in Lakewood, Ohio on November 26, 1923, to father Louis Krist and mother Anna Masola Krist. Leo attended Lakewood High School where he excelled at sports, especially track and field. He ran for Lakewood in three State Championships at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. The middle of three sons, Leo joined the Navy after high school at the age of 19 to support the war effort in World War II along with his brothers who joined the Army and the Marines.  Leo served on three ships, the USS General J.R. Brooke (AP 132), the USS Jenks (DE-665), and the USS Formalhaut (AK-22), earning three campaign medals and the Victory Medal. Although his family, especially his children, are extremely proud of his service, Leo always played it down saying, “It was a short time, a very long time ago.”

At the end of the war, Leo separated from the Navy with an Honorable discharge April 1946 and returned to Lakewood. He met his wife, Bernice Clancy, on a blind date set up by his good friend. They married in 1952 and had seven children. Leo worked and retired from The East Ohio Gas Company.   

Leo was preceded in death by his wife, Bernice, daughter, Ann, his parents and by his brothers, Milton Krist, and George Krist. He is survived by his children Kathryn Dietz (William), Laura Havanec, Alan Krist, Kenneth Krist, Keith Krist, and Janet Krist; four grandchildren Mary Terrell (Marcus), Sarah Havanec, Christopher Dietz (Gina), and Lynnette Krist; two great-grandchildren, Marcellus Aiden Terrell and Marianna Claire Terrell.  

Leo loved his family and his lifelong friends. Leo loved a good laugh and was always ready to crack a witty joke. He lived with his family in Brunswick, Ohio for over fifteen years in the 1960’s and 1970’s, before moving to Berea, Ohio. He was active in his children's community events and loved golf and dancing.

The family will receive friends on Friday, March 25, 2022, from 11am to 1pm with the funeral service at 1PM at the Craciun Funeral Home, 14925 E. Bagley Rd, Middleburg Heights, OH. Interment to follow at Woodvale Cemetery.