Rocky Krsnich Obituary

Krsnich, Rocky Rocky Krsnich was born August 5, 1927 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Croation immigrants, Pete and Filomena Krsnich. He was one of seven brothers, and one of three of the brothers to play professional baseball. Rocky played for 11 years, and made it to the majors with the White Sox. At 18, in Joplin, Mo., he won the lottery when he met, and married Marie Hennessey, his wife of 56 years (now deceased). After baseball, Rocky worked for CIT Corp. for years in Wichita, and eventually in KC as an executive vice president. Rocky had many interests, as a talented artist/oil painter and jazz enthusiast. He was an ideal father, imparting a sense of equality of all people, and diverse interests of all kinds. An exceptionally well read and informed, self taught man. Rocky leaves his three children, Susan, Joe (Tanya), and Jim; seven grandchildren, Tony (Liz), Pete (Courtney), Louis, Mandy, Patrick (Georgia), Joey (Kathryn), and James; six great- grandchildren, Rocky, Winston, Champ, Wally, Libby and Ali. The grandkids will miss Grandpa's long, long jokes. The family will remember an exemplary man, husband, father, and grandfather in a private gathering.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Wichita Eagle on Feb. 16, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Rocky Krsnich

5 Entries

Sal Velasquez

November 15, 2020

I was Rocky's mailman for 9 years out of the Indian Creek Post Office. I had a park and loop route. Rocky was a great friend of mine while I had that route. It was a very hilly route and one many disliked due to the hills and heavy mail volume.
However, I loved that route because I loved serving the people of that route. On my park and loop, I'd park in front of Rocky's house and I was always welcomed to come in out of the cold if I needed to make an emergency trip to the men's room. Even if I didn't need a bathroom break I'd take my ten minute break to talk and visit with him from time to time talking baseball. He had a treasure trove of jazz music and he'd talk about his love for jazz. And it was this love of jazz that further embedded his love for all men of all color and ethnicity. I being a Mexican American appreciated his acceptance of me and shared my stories of my family coming to the United States in the early 1900's.
We are a nation of immigrants and our success as a nation is only because of the hard work and sacrifices each generation gave to future generations.
Rocky recognized those contributions and the hopes and aspirations each ethnic group has as they solidify the foundation of brotherhood in our country. Music, painting and sports were just a few bridges Rocky crossed to discover that commonality of mankind.
May each of us give thanks to our Heavenly Father for visionary men like Rocky.
We need more of them. The Lord has welcomed home another Angel whom he greets, "Well done my good and faithful servant. Enter now into thy Father's Kingdom".
Sal Velasquez
Blue Valley Post Office

James Rocco Marcetich

November 23, 2019

Rocky Krsnich was my godfather when I was baptized in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1953. He was a friend of my late father, Eli. They unfortunately lost touch over the years and I only remember meeting my godfather once when I may have been about 10 years old. He seemed like a successful and happy man. I've always enjoyed explaining to people that my middle name came from my professional baseball player godfather. It sounds as if Rocky had a happy life, and I send best wishes to his family.

Don Meyer

May 19, 2019

I pitched against Rocky in the various West Allis leagues back in the 1930's and 1940's. He was a tough out. I consider him the best batter I've ever pitched against during my 10 year career bar none, and I've played against some pretty good players!

Augie Blanchat

February 16, 2019

Rocky was larger than life to me in my youth. He helped finance my father's expanding machine shop while giving me baseball pointers all along the way. A family man and a great one to call a friend. RIP Rocco!

Harry Simpson

February 16, 2019

I remember seeing Rocky playing baseball at Lawrence Dumont Stadium in Wichita Kansas in the 1950's and early 1960's. Godspeed Rocky...

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results