Obituary of Dr. Petro S. Krafcisin
Dr. Petro S. Krafcisin, 71, of Joliet, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Lightways Hospice Home. Petro was born on October 11, 1954, in Chicago, to his parents, the late Wasyl and Johanna (nee Marczuk) Krafcisin. He grew up in Chicago and graduated from Mendel Catholic High School Class of 1972 as Valedictorian; he then attended Loyola University earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1976. Petro graduated in 1980 from the University of Illinois Chicago Medical Dental School.
Petro retired as Lieutenant Colonel from the Illinois Air National Guard in October of 2019. He served in the Medical Dental Clinic in 1982-1999 in the 126th Air Refueling Wing (ARW), and from 1999 to 2013 in the 183rd Fighter Wing (FW), Dental Clinic. Dr. Petro owned and operated a dental practice in Burbank from 1984 to 2023, and was known as “Painless Pete”.
Petro found joy in the simple things in life and took great pride in giving to others. He was always willing to help anyone in need, often without hesitation or expectation. Petro loved spontaneous road trips, attending various sporting events, with family and friends, creating many memories. Spending time with those he loved meant everything to him. A lifelong learner, he valued education and was always striving to better himself and expand his knowledge.
Petro is survived by his brothers, Nicholas “Nick” (Claudia) Krafcisin, and Stefan “Steve” (Irene) Krafcisin; nephew, Matthew Krafcisin; niece, Claudette (Joe) Traversa; great nieces, Victoria and Cass; friends, Rob Zapolis, Sue (John) Lilja, Jeanette(Larry) Loeber, Karl and Peter Schulz, and Orest Szewciw; and godchildren, John Krawczyszyn, and Martha Kostiuk.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name may be made to Lightways Hospice in Joliet or Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (NBVM) Ukrainian Catholic Church.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, 8530 W. 131st St., Palos Park, IL from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Liturgy at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026 at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. with military honors held under the auspices of the United States National Guard and the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Memorial Squad.
Fred. C. Dames Funeral Home, Joliet in charge of arrangements. For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
