Obituaries : John Darrell Krafka

John Darrell Krafka (age 75), of Marietta, GA, passed away on September 5, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He lived a full life, touching everyone he met. His family will remember him as the cornerstone of the Krafka family and one-of-a-kind.

He was born June 15, 1950, in Belle Plaine, IA, to Darrell Frank Krafka and LaVonne Junge Krafka. John graduated from Belle Plaine Community High School in 1968 and went on to earn his Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts in Recreation at the University of Iowa. John played football in high school and college. He developed a lifelong devotion to the Hawkeyes, but also became a loyal fan of the Georgia Bulldogs to support his wife and children's alma mater. At the University of Iowa, John was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha.

John retired from his 42-year career at Georgia State University in 2011. As Associate Director of Recreational Services, he oversaw recreational programs and developed GSU's current Student Recreation Center. He helped college students find their love for the outdoors by leading trips around the country. He was also well-respected as the "Voice of the Georgia State University Panther Band," endearing fans with his captivating announcing voice throughout the football season. He served as the public address announcer for badminton in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, neighborhood swim meets, and many other GSU functions including basketball games and graduation ceremonies.

His love for adventure was evident. He led numerous ski trips, participated in Outward Bound, enjoyed canoe trips in the Boundary Waters, guided whitewater raft trips, officiated wrestling matches, competed in ALTA tennis, ran in Peachtree Road Races, cycled in BRAG and RAGBRAI, and went on countless hiking and camping trips. He hosted team-building events and helped design the ropes course at the Indian Creek Recreation Area. John's talent, creativity, and adventurous spirit led him to pursue a broad range of hobbies and interests, including woodworking (notably jigsaw puzzles), photography, and travel.

The joy of his life was his family. He was devoted to his loving wife, Jan Hastings Krafka, of 41 years. John and Jan's love for travel remained a lifetime passion. They visited all 50 states and dozens of countries together. John invested deeply in his kids, from soccer coach to colorguard dad. He was a remarkable dad and role model for his children. He was affectionately known as "Pops" to his three grandchildren.

John is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Jan; children, Kyle John Krafka (Kathleen), Kaley Krafka Lynn (Tommy); grandchildren, Bennett Grey Lynn (4), Henry Tucker Lynn (2), Madison Charlotte Krafka (2), and another little Krafka due January 2026; sister, Judith Ann Storm (Bradley); nieces, Vanessa Palmer (Nick), Sarah Gross (Jordan), and nephew, Joel Storm (Hillary); and their children.

In April 2025, John was diagnosed with a chordoma. Despite the complete removal of the tumor, complications from the surgery eventually claimed his life on September 5, in Pittsburgh, PA.

John will be remembered as "larger than life" by so many. He never met a stranger and had a pleasant sense of humor, always making people feel good about themselves. His surviving family will be telling his story for future generations and living his values to continue his legacy. John was a Christian and a longtime member of Due West Methodist Church, and is now enjoying eternity with Christ, as his earthly legacy lives on for generations.

A celebration of life will be held at Mayes Ward Dobbins Funeral Home, Historic Marietta Chapel, on September 27, 2025. Visitation will be at 10:00 AM and service at 11:00 AM, with a reception following. John's graveside service will be held privately with family.