EDWIN MILFORD KRIGEL

Edwin Krigel, 93, lifelong resident of Kansas City, died on January 19, 2018 at Village Shalom, Overland Park, KS. He was born Aug. 8, 1924 in K.C., MO, to Ruth Milgram Krigel & Solomon Krigel. The 2nd of four children (Geraldine Salvay, Richard Krigel, Phyllis Rips), he grew up during the Great Depression, and learned from his parents the importance of working hard, being charitable, and helping others. He graduated from Paseo High School and U. of Illinois (1945; mechanical engineering). After college, he served in the U.S. Army for several months until World War II ended. Stationed at Ft. Leavenworth, KS, he interviewed new recruits about their skills & work experience. Because his father died from diabetes while Ed was in college, he chose after the war to help his mother operate the family’s jewelry business, Krigel’s Diamond Shop, a vocation he enjoyed. He & his brother Richard later purchased the store from their family. Ed continued to own & operate a jewelry store on the corner of 10th & Main in K.C., MO, Krigel’s Diamonds & Jewels, until the early 1980s. Subsequently, he became a commercial realtor, broker, & developer until his 80s.

He was married in 1956 to Barbara Rosenfeld, & had a daughter, Joanne “Jody” Cosner. In 1960 he was re-married to Barbara Oppenheimer, “the love of his life.” They had two children, Stuart & Sheila, whom they raised in Leawood, KS. Ed & Barbara both worked in their jewelry store, and the children helped out on weekends from a young age. Ed particularly enjoyed helping young couples select and design engagement & wedding rings, while Barbara ran the office. The children fondly remember the multi-ethnic staff and clientele at the jewelry store, in a Kansas City that was mostly segregated at the time. Ed’s mechanical engineering education left him with a love of making and repairing things. In his basement workshop he helped his children make wooden bookends, an award-winning Pinewood Derby car, and creative Indian Guides & scouting projects. He also enjoyed ballroom dancing, playing his violin, & attending musical concerts. In 1978, with his children still in high school, Ed was heartbroken when his wife Barbara died of lung cancer. During her illness, Ed was truly devoted, accompanied her to doctors & hospitals, & worked to keep the family optimistic. After her death, he continued raising his two children while running the family business and his home.

Ed’s Judaism was important to him. He and his family regularly attended Congregation Beth Shalom, where he had his bar mitzvah, attended religious school, had an adult bar mitzvah at age 83, & was a lifelong member. He served as president of Hatikvah B’nai Brith lodge and supported many local charities in KC, including the Jewish Federation of Greater KC, the Jewish Community Center, & several secular organizations. After moving to Village Shalom in 2009, he participated regularly in religious services there, occasionally led them, and attended courses about current events and Jewish issues. He loved celebrating Jewish & secular holidays with his children’s families and his large extended family. He traveled to California several times a year to be with his children & grandchildren, and to attend important milestone events and celebrations.

In his later years, as his health declined, he enjoyed visits from friends & family, and simple pleasures including eating a good meal, spending time with his longtime girlfriend Joan Willcox, and discussing childhood memories with his older sister Geraldine Salvay, both of whom reside at Village Shalom.

Survivors include his children Stuart & Julie Krigel, San Jose, CA, and Sheila & David Matz, Lafayette, CA. His grandchildren Benjamin Krigel, Raphael Krigel, Juliana Matz, and Joshua Matz, were his greatest pleasure. He will also be sorely missed by his longtime girlfriend Joan Willcox, his sister Geraldine Salvay, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Village Shalom for their kind & attentive care, as well as his physicians, caregivers, & the staff of Crossroads Hospice. Memorial gifts may be made to the Guardian Society of the Jewish Federation of Greater KC.

Funeral services and interment will be held at 1:00pm Sunday, January 21, 2018 at the Yukon Chapel at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, 5529 Ditzler, Raytown, MO 64133.