George Edward Krajnak

George Krajnak, 87 of Athens, passed away Wednesday, December 4, 2024 peacefully at home with family members.

George was born July 2, 1937 in Wyano PA. George was the 4th child of Joseph and Mary Krajnak, immigrants from Bardejov, Slovakia. George is survived by his wife of 62 years, Barbara Krajnak, and their six children - Michael (Mary), Joe (Lizette), George (Chellie), Andy (Jennifer), Julie (Jason) and Katherine (Sebastian) as well as 13 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. 

George is a veteran of the U.S Army and served in Inchon, Korea and thereafter completed his education as a civil engineer at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg VA, graduating in 1962. He met his wife Barbara Francis in 1961, they married in 1962. For most of his career, he worked for the United States Forest Service doing work in both the Tongass National Forest in Southeast Alaska and Wayne National Forest and retired in the early 1990’s.

George loved working outside and working with his hands. In his retirement he enjoyed building wood furniture for his growing family. He built two of his homes himself, including the home where he passed away. He was very proud of his Slovak heritage and was thrilled when two of his children travelled to Slovakia and visited their Slovak cousins in 1999. He was known for his sharp wit, love of playing pinochle and his favorite saying “many hands make light work”. He was dedicated to his family, held a strong Catholic faith and loved teaching useful skills while inspiring a practical work ethic in everyone around him. 

Visitation hours will be held 2PM - 4PM on Friday, December 6, 2024 at Hughes Funeral Home, 168 Morris Ave, Athens, OH where military honors will be conducted at 3PM by the Athens American Legion Post 21 and Albany VFW Post 9893. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 2PM on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church followed by reception at Christ the King Parish Hall. Private graveside services will be held at the convenience of the family at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hughes Funeral Home where you may sign the online guestbook at www.ehwfh.com.