Frank Krizman Obituary

Frank Adolph Krizman, beloved husband, father, “Poppy,” brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on the evening of July 16, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Denver, Colorado, on October 20, 1946, Frank (affectionately known as “Bikey”) was the son of Frank John Krizman and Margaret Flierl Krizman. He attended St. Francis deSales High School, where he excelled in track, boxing, and football, and began his working life at the Wonder Bread Bakery—sparking a lifelong love of baking.

While attending Mesa State College, Frank met the love of his life, Judith Harry. They were married on January 17, 1970, and soon moved to Lawrence, Kansas, where Frank attended the University of Kansas—famously flipping pancakes for the KU football team to support his young family. After welcoming their first child, Hayden, Frank and Judi spent time in Homer, Alaska, working alongside Frank’s brothers in construction before returning to Lawrence to grow their family and deepen their roots.

In Lawrence, they welcomed their daughter Diana and built a family home they lovingly called “Pooh Corner”—a gathering place that reflected Frank’s joy in bringing people together. Marked by a handmade gate inscribed with Pooh Corner Ranch, the home became the heart of many cherished memories: barbecues, bonfires, weddings, and impromptu celebrations with family, friends, and neighbors. From the half-pipe skateboard ramp to the free-roaming peacocks, the property was as full of personality as the man who built it. Frank and Judi welcomed all with open arms, creating a space where laughter echoed, friendships deepened, and community thrived.

Frank worked on the development of the Clinton Lake Recreation Area and later established his own construction business in the early 1980s. Through his work remodeling homes and revitalizing downtown Lawrence—including the iconic 700 block of Massachusetts Street—Frank left a lasting mark on the community’s landscape.

More than a craftsman, Frank was a builder of relationships. He passed on his skills and generous spirit to his children, working side by side with them on countless projects. His encouragement led Hayden to rugby in the early ’90s, igniting a family passion that extended to Diana’s rugby travels in Great Britain and helped shape the foundation of the Westwick Rugby Complex in Lawrence—a legacy of community, camaraderie, and competition that lives on today.

In 2005, Frank stepped into his most cherished role: “Poppy.” He treasured every moment with his granddaughters, Georgia and Ashlyn—whether fishing, biking through Cherry Creek, or introducing them to an annual family tradition: baking authentic potica, the rich Slovenian nut bread lovingly passed down from Frank’s father, Frank Sr. These joyful baking sessions were more than a recipe—they were a way to honor heritage, connect generations, and share the warmth of family.

After returning to Denver in 2010, Frank enjoyed time with his siblings and reconnecting with lifelong friends. Whether biking up Waterton Canyon, playing 5 Crowns and dominoes, or gathering around a dinner table, he brought joy, energy, and warmth to every interaction. Frank and Judi shared a passion for adventure—traveling the world, visiting family, exploring Croatia, and embracing life with open arms and open hearts.

Frank will be remembered for his kind soul and magnetic personality, and the way he made everyone feel seen and valued. He had a gift for friendship and an instinct to show up—always ready to lend a hand, offer a joke, or simply listen. Beyond his own family, he was a mentor, a father figure, and a guiding light to countless others.

Frank is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Judith; their children, Hayden Krizman and Diana Krizman Bailey; and his granddaughters, Georgia and Ashlyn Bailey. He is also survived by his siblings Rosann Krizman McKinney, Steve Krizman, and Hank Krizman (Barbara), as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and great-great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Joanna Kleewein, Mary Oatout, Toni Kleewein, Barbara VanHorsen, Joe Kleewein, John Kleewein, and Walt Kleewein.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Horan & McConaty Funeral Home, 1091 S. Colorado Boulevard, Denver, CO 80246, with a reception to follow. A celebration of life will take place in Lawrence, Kansas, on October 18, 2025, from 12:00–2:00 PM at the Westwick Rugby Complex, N. 1200 Road.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations in Frank’s memory to the Kansas Jayhawk Rugby Club via Venmo @Diana-Bailey-9 (please note “Frank Donation”).