Lester Krch
Lester Paul Krch, 79, died Jan. 12, 2002, at Napa Calif.
Born at Pilsen to Joseph and Agnes Krch, he moved to California as an adult and live in Napa for 55 years.
He enlisted in the Navy on Oct. 5, 1940, and after basic training was sent to the Philippine Islands where he was captured by the Japanese forces. He spent 44 months in a Japanese prison camp.
During that time he received the Purple Heart, Army Distinguished Unit Badge, Philippine Defense, Asiatic-Pacific, American Defense, World War II Victory Medal, and a Good Conduct Medal.
In 1945, he received a letter signed by President Harry Truman expressing appreciation for fighting valiantly and suffering bravely and his gratitude for his safe return to the United States.
Upon his return to civilian life, he made a career as a concrete mason and was involved in the construction of the Chevron Building and the Hyatt Regency Hotel, among other buildings in San Francisco.
Upon his retirement from Basalt Rock Co., Krch took special delight in the continued development and maintenance of his home site, which reflects his attention to artistic detail in landscaping. It is as serene and beautiful as a park.
Survivors include his wife Margaret of Napa; sisters, Mildred Andres of Oregon, Margie Strain of Danville, Pat Hill of Oregon, Tillie Bright of California; brothers, Albert Krch of Redding, George Krch of Nevada, Robert Krch of Oregon; numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.
The funeral Mass was held at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Napa. Burial was at Tulocay Cemetery.
