John Lewis Krumpotich

KRUMPOTICH, John Lewis -- Father, Farmer, Businessman. A 60 year resident of the Santa Clara Valley, passed away on November 25th at his home in Saratoga after a lengthy battle with cancer. Born January 9, 1921 in the coal-mining town of Raton, New Mexico, John moved to California at age 18 taking on various jobs including work as a longshoreman at the Port of San Francisco. He served in the Pacific during WWII and upon his return began work as a plasterer, eventually running his own contracting business. In 1951, John married his wife of 52 years Claire Lobrovich and soon after they purchased a prune orchard on "Highway 9" in West San Jose which they farmed for many years. In the early sixties, they built a unique hexagon building on the same property and opened "Krump's Liquors" which they operated for the next 20 years. John had a passion for sports especially baseball. He played semi-pro baseball and later fast pitch softball throughout the bay area. He shared his passion with his wife Claire who also played competitive softball and played for the 1947 Rockford Peaches of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League immortalized in the movie "A League of Their Own". John truly devoted his life to the betterment of his children and grandchildren. His greatest love was following, supporting and nurturing their education and other activities. His three sons, Dr. John Krumpotich, a Dentist in Frederick Maryland, George Krumpotich, and FBI Agent in Santa Ana California and Steve Krumpotich an Insurance Agent in Watsonville, California, survive him. He is also survived by his five grand children, John, Edward and Katherine Krumpotich of Frederick, Maryland and Brittany and Kaitlin Krumpotich of Laguna Hills, California. Further surviving John is his devoted brother Robert of Cupertino, California, Joe of Sumter, South Carolina, George of Pueblo, Colorado and Matt of Benson, Arizona. He was predeceased by his sister Anne Starkovich and brother Nick. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice.