Roy "Tom" Krajeck Jr.
August 8, 1947 ~ September 26, 2021
The Krajeck family announces that our brother, Tom, passed away at Bethany on 42nd, this past Sunday, September 26, 2021. He was 74 years old.
Tom was born in Fargo, North Dakota on August 8, 1947 to parents Roy and Nadine (Madsen) Krajeck. Tom attended public schools in West Fargo, graduating with the class of 1965 from West Fargo High School.
Tom was drafted into the United States Army and in active service from August 1967 to August 1969. He served in Vietnam from December 1967 to November 1968. A Specialist Four, he was assigned to the C Battery, 3rd Battalion, 82nd Artillery, 196 infantry Brigade, Americal Division. Tom was exposed to Agent Orange during the war, he and his family believe it shortened his life. He never complained and was always proud of his military service.
Tom returned to West Fargo after his discharge from the army and became an avid motorcycle enthusiast.
He attended Dakota Business College in 1971; and NDSCS where he earned an Associates Degree for auto body restoration. Tom worked for many years as a welder at different companies around Fargo and West Fargo.
The Krajeck family thanks the staff at Bethany on 42nd for their empathy for Tom and his family. Throughout the months Tom made his home at Bethany, the staff has shared an inspired kindness.
Viewing will be held at Boulger Funeral Home from 9-11 on October 8th followed by a graveside service at Holy Cross Cemetery North at 11:45.
Tom is predeceased by his parents, Roy (1996) and Nadine (2002), his sister, Mary Kressin (2006), his brother, David Krajeck (2012). He is survived by siblings Kathryn Strelecky, Orlando, FL, Elizabeth Krajeck, Indianapolis, IN, Stephen Krajeck (Pamela Moeller) Roswell, NM, Jean Simon (Ted), Denver, CO, Ann Sanchez, Phoenix,AZ, Christopher Krajeck (Jane) Horace, ND, Geralynn Krajeck, San Pedro, CA,
James Krajeck (Cindy), Colorado Springs, CO. and Rebecca Erlendson (Paul) Denver, CO. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
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Remembering Tom from school days to meeting again at the CLC to our living sites at Bethany.
Tom had a humble manner about himself. He enjoyed Word Search books and Chocolate mints,
No sugar please. Polite and exhibiting great courage through many afflictions. I asked Tom
Once if he would like a “Deck of Cards” (sung by Tex Ritter). He politely said, “Yes”.
Proverbs 17:17. a friend loves at all times.
Tom, I didn’t know you, but I know people who knew you. They are grieving much which shows you were loved. My heart goes out to them and hopefully I can comfort them a bit in your stead. I heard a few things about you (not to worry, all good, heh) and your adventures were spoken in fond words. So I salute you, Tom, and know you are moving on to your new venue. We all will follow. In the meantime, I will give your dear friends and relatives, especially your brother, Chris, a hug and thank him for allowing me the privilege of a glance into your life. They are good people, and they are missing you.
To Tom’s family—–so sorry to hear of his death. We had many, many good times together back in the day on Francis Street. I spent some time with Tom motorcycling too. He had many close friends in the motorcycle community in the Fargo Moorhead area.
As you all know, Tom was a quiet guy who didn’t complain, so I never knew of the Agent Orange exposure.
He was a good guy and he will be missed.
Tom and I were good friends, biker buddies and we had many good times together. I used to crash at his place when I blew into Fargo, never a problem. All the best.
Tom was a couple of years younger than I, but we were raised to be independent and Tom remained independent to the end. After he moved from the Cooperative Living Center to Bethany on 42nd, we tried to catch up on the years passed.
While our lives had taken much different paths, both of us experienced significant obstacles that challenged our independence, and both of us have fought to maintain independent lifestyles. Following a tour in Viet Nam, Tom found work as a welder after finishing auto body school in Wahpeton. He became proficient in welding and specialized in welding aluminum. He was good at it. He took pride in his welds and it showed in his work as some of his welds were as beautiful as a work of art. He was methodical and wouldn’t consider taking a day off of work as long as he could walk. He worked for a few years at the Firestone tire recapping plant. Every day even with the huge garage doors open the temperature in the building was 100 degrees plus. When I asked how he could stand working in such heat he merely laughed and said it wasn’t as bad as being in Viet Nam. For a time Tom took pleasure in motorcycle riding and trips to the West coast. After that no longer claimed him, he took to studying history and especially reading about WWII. Dad had served in the 6th Armored Division and Tom learned where they had been and the battles they fought in.
Tom was a loner who often appeared gruff, but he was a kind, caring person who deserved better in life. While many found him hard to talk with he opened up when he talked about his daily life and the things he was interested in. I will miss him. He was a good man and a good brother