John Joseph Krawczyk

Age 83, passed away October 17, 2006 in Lansing, Michigan. Born August 16, 1923 in Lansing to Adam and Maryanna (Kagan) Krawczyk. John attended school in Eaton Rapids through High School. In January of 1941 John enlisted in the Navy. Early in his Navy career he served aboard the U.S.S. Tuccaloosa. In 1944 John went to submarine school, then he served aboard seven submarines as a fire control technician. In 1954 John was chosen to serve aboard the USS Nautilus, the first atomic submarine. He was one of the original crew members. He also served as their unofficial photographer. He was always seen with a camera hanging from his neck ready for that special shot. Many of his photos of the USS Nautilus and Crew members were published in newspapers, magazines and books. Among his shipmates he was known as “Mr. Nautilus”. In his collections he has a vast number of published articles of the history being made by the USS Nautilus and Crew. John was the last of the original crew to retire, retiring as a Senior Chief Petty Officer in 1965. During his career he received numerous decorations including many citations from the Secretary of Navy, Admiral Rickover and Gerald Ford of Michigan. During and after serving in the Navy John went on to college in California majoring in photography. He worked in Commercial and Advertising studios before retiring.
John was preceded in death by his father Adam Krawczyk and Mother Maryanna, 1 brother Joseph Henry, 3 sisters; Mrs. Wanda Eberwein, Mrs. Dolores Caine and Mrs. Anne Baker. John is survived by 4 brothers; William Sr. (Florence), Stanley (Barbara), Ted (Ida) and Adam. 2 sisters; Mary (Rhon) Pierce and Sophia Bradley and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Monday Oct. 23, 11:00 am at St. Mary’s Church in Charlotte, Michigan Visitation will be Sunday evening Oct. 22 from 6-8pm with the Rosary at 6:00pm at the Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids. Graveside services with military honors will be at Arlington Cemetery in Washington D.C. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Nautilus Memorial Submarine Force Library and Museum or The Nautilus Alumni Association in Memory of John Joseph Krawczyk. For online condolences go to www.skinnerfuneralhome.com