L. Wayne Krula passed away on March 15, 2023. Wayne was born on February 12, 1931, in Beatrice, Nebraska to the late Otto Krula and Etha (Moore) Krula, both who were educators. Wayne, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, worked for many years in education, including serving as a school teacher, principal, and superintendent and later as a church administrator.
In his school days, Wayne made friends quickly. He acted in a school play and was even elected Junior Vice President of the student council. He lettered in track, played basketball, and joined the Future Farmers of America. Wayne was a grateful man whose faith led him to take an active role in spiritual endeavors during his time in college, witnessing the Wheaton College Revival, and assisting with Sunday school for children in Chicago. While at Wheaton College (Illinois), Wayne pursued majors in physical and Christian education.
After receiving his B.A. from Wheaton College, Wayne was sworn in as an Ensign in the U.S. Naval Reserve. He was sent to the fleet sonar school in San Diego, California where he trained to be the ship’s Anti-Submarine Warfare officer. During his two-year tour of duty on the USS Shelton, Wayne felt privileged to have visited the Philippines, Japan, Formosa, Thailand, Korea, and various ports in the U.S.
After discharge from active duty, Wayne made the decision to re-enroll at Wheaton College and took courses that enabled him to obtain an Illinois Teaching Certificate. It was because of this decision that he met his wife. Wayne married Marie Krvavica of Chicago in June 1957. Together they welcomed their first child David, then their daughter Lisa, and later their son Daniel. Wayne and Marie began their lives together in Illinois and much later in life made their permanent residence in Arizona.
In addition to his B.A. Degree, Wayne obtained M.S. and Ed.D. Degrees from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb and was elected to Phi Delta Kappa. He received numerous service medals, awards, and accolades for his time honorably serving our county in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He was active in the Naval Reserve for 27 years, rising to the rank of full Commander. He was a member, and past commander, of the Korean War Veterans Association of Sun Lakes, Arizona and served on the Governor’s Arizona Veterans’ Service Advisory Commission. He also served as a Deacon at the First Baptist Church of Chandler.
Wayne is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 65 years, Marie; his children David Krula of Sun Lakes, Arizona, Lisa Krula of Sun Lakes, Arizona, and Dan (Rhonda) Krula of San Tan Valley, Arizona; grandchildren, Jessica (Omar) Cifuentes of Gilbert, Arizona, Melissa (Nathaniel) Hoekstra of Bentonville, Arkansas, and Kristin (Bradley) Churchman of Littleton, Colorado, Jordan (Corrie) Krula of Prospect Heights, Illinois, and Brittney (Michael) Baumgartner of Marengo, Illinois; and great-grandchildren, Janae, Evalyn, and Irene Cifuentes, Jude, Grady, and Lanah Hoekstra, Micah, Caden, and Tyler Churchman, Lydia and Adeline Krula, and Michael, Daniel, and Hayden Baumgartner.
Wayne also is survived by his sister Frances Krula-Felice of Temple, Texas; nieces Deborah (David) Omori of Mather, California and Sheryl (Douglas) Taylor of Nolanville, Texas; nephew James Sullivan of Fremont, California; and many grandnieces and grandnephews.
A private graveside service will be held at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix with Chaplain Fred Boyer presiding. Condolences may be expressed at www.valleyofthesunfuneralhome.com.
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