Jan (Opa) Kros
1917 ~ 2010
Our kind, quiet Opa passed away peacefully on April 29, 2010 in St. George, Utah.Born in Holland on August 20, 1917, Jan was the youngest of six brothers. He played soccer in an amateur league. When World War II started, Jan was conscripted to work in Germany and when the opportunity presented itself; he managed to escape to Southern France where he worked for a building company in Orange. As the Allies liberated France, Jan managed to get a job as a driver for the US Army that started his desire to live in the US. After the war, he married Cecilia Verwijmeren in 1946. Three children followed, along with a career for the Dutch WW2 restitution agency that allowed him to travel throughout Holland. He fulfilled his desire to live in the United States in 1960 when the family immigrated to Salt Lake City.
It was a courageous decision to make, but the correct one. Jan worked for UDOT for 22 years. Jan and Cecilia (Oma) enjoyed dancing and joined the Dutch Club in Salt Lake City for Saturday night dancing. Another favorite activity was playing cards with friends. Dutch cooking was always a hit with kids and grandkids for Oma was a good cook. Oliebollen, croquettes, and apple pies were great. Many trips back to Holland and many cruises filled their retirement, traveling was their favorite activity, along with trips to Wendover to try their luck.
Our family would like to thank Kolob Care Legacy Unit for their care and comfort for Opa.
Survived by his wife, Cecilia (Oma), daughter Ann (Arnold Antell), son John (Victoria), son Joe (Patrice), seven grandchildren, six great grandchildren, nephews, nieces, extended family, and special friend Tante Aad.
Family and friends are invited to a life celebration on May 8, 2010 from: 11:00 a.m. to Noon at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 1300 South 2350 East, Salt Lake City, UT.