LOUIS KRISER, CAPT. U.S. NAVY (RET) passed peacefully on July 25, 2022, at age 95 at Falcons Landing Military Retirement Community in Potomac Falls, VA. Lou was born in New York on May 9, 1927 to Julius and Teresa (Sattler) Kriser from Hungary and Austria. He has a brother Robert and is pre-deceased by his half-sister Janet Sartin.
He graduated from Erasmus Hall High School, Brooklyn, NY in 1944 where he was voted Class Actor and was President of the Footlighters. He enrolled at Cornell University in February 1944 and the Navy V-5 (Aviation) program in the same year. The Navy sent Lou to Duke University, The University of North Carolina and St. Mary's. He became a Flying Midshipman in December 1946 and was the last Midshipman living. He served as the President of the Flying Midshipman Association for many years.
During his distinguished 28-year naval career he received both his torpedo and fighter pilot designations, escaped catastrophe off carrier decks in the North Atlantic and served as Aide to Naval Air Forces Pacific Fleet. Lou had many duty stations across the United States and served as Air Boss on the USS Midway, as well as Squadron Commander and Air Boss on the USS Independence where he helped to oversee President Eisenhower's visit to the carrier. During his Naval Career he was a Flight Instructor in Pensacola, Naval Academy Instructor and attended the Naval War College. He proudly served in numerous squadrons including, VF94, VF74, VR31 and the flighting VF73 and retired in 1973 out of the Pentagon, Naval Office of Legislative Affairs.
Following this distinguished and exciting naval career Lou served 15 years on Capitol Hill as Chief of Staffs for Congressman Craig Hosmer, Seapower Subcommittee, House Armed Services Committee and then as President of the consulting firm Snyder, Ball, Kriser, Inc.
Lou served on numerous committees and associations always active in community, public and national affairs particularly as it related to the Navy. He was Vice President, Legislative Affairs of the Navy League of the United States, Vice President, Legislative Affairs of the Tailhook Association and did pro-bono legislative counseling for the National Coalition to Save the Mall. He received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Tailhook Association. Always the perpetual student, Lou has a BA in International Affairs, Stanford University and Master's Degree from the University of Maryland in Public Policy and Public Administration. He was a strong believer in continuing education.
Lou always enjoyed the theatre and was very active throughout his years in both film and little theater. He was Chairman of the Board of the Educational Film Center, Annandale, VA. He started a theater troupe at Falcon's Landing where he earned the nickname "The Director" and launched his own TV Show called "I Didn't Know That" which aired at Falcons Landing.
Lou was an avid golfer and even took 1st Place playing with Arnold Palmer at a TPC Avenel Chrysler Cup Pro-Am.
Married in 1951, Lou met his wife, Jane Audrey Ericson, at Erasmus high school and were Married 61 years. They have two children, Jill Allyson and James Leland, granddaughter Lindy Campbell and son-in-law William. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.
Captain Kriser will be buried with honors at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date.
"In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Flying Midshipmen Endowment Fund at the USS Midway Museum. To donate, please make checks payable to THE SAN DIEGO FOUNDATION and on the memo line write, "Flying Midshipmen, in memory of Lou Kriser," and send to the address below. Questions - Robin Hatfield, [email protected].
USS Midway Museum
ATTN: Flying Midshipmen Endowment Fund
910 N Harbor Dr
San Diego, CA 92101"
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
August 11, 2022
Susan Weimer-Kopf
With gratitude for Captain Kriser´s dedicated and heroic service to our nation and tremendous admiration for his life´s example we offer our deepest sympathies to his beautiful family.
The Weimer-Kopfs of Cary, NC
August 3, 2022
Friend
Craig Swagerty
Rest In Peace, Mr. Kriser. You were a great husband, Dad, and a classy man, when I knew you.
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