Edgar R. Krasts, II
December 3, 1941 – December 11, 2025
Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date. No matter his age, Ed wanted to be remembered for his youthful spirit. He is extremely loved and his presence will be missed. There was no one quite like Ed.
Obituary
Edgar Krasts II of Kalamazoo passed away Thursday, December 11, 2025 at Bronson Methodist Hospital. Ed was born December 3, 1941 in Jelgava, Latvia as the son of Edgars and Zelma (Rumba) Krasts. In 1951, after being displaced during WWII, his family came to the United States and settled near Kalamazoo, Michigan. As a young adult, he had an adventurous spirit and roamed the country with friends, always wanting to explore somewhere new. He worked countless odd jobs throughout his younger years, but as an avid storyteller, he often shared memories of traveling the country going from bar to bar as a professional piano player. He eventually settled in Kalamazoo, where he married Jeanne Van Dyk and had two children while working in the plastics industry. He loved history and could remember the story behind every building in Kalamazoo. He was a master tinkerer who spent most of his time putzing around his thoughtfully designed workshop, concocting simple yet clever inventions with his engineering mind. Ed was preceded in death by Jeanne Krasts (wife), Edgars and Zelma Krasts (parents), Fanija Krasts (stepmom), Lauren Krasts (granddaughter), Elita Berzins (sister) and many beloved pets. He is survived by his two children Ed (Dawn) Krasts III and Allison (Todd) Wisser. Surviving also are grandchildren Hayley, Lindsay and Nolan Buckhout, Lija Krasts and Reagan and Rosie Wisser, as well as several nieces and nephews, including nephew Andy Berzins with whom he had a close bond.
In Loving Memory of My Uncle Ed Uncle Ed walked into every room. With a smile already waiting, A wicked sense of humor always ready, And a laugh that invited everyone in. Quick with a wit, sharp with a joke, He could lift a heavy moment in seconds. At the bar piano, his fingers danced— Not just on keys, but on hearts— Turning ordinary nights into stories We’ll be telling forever. He was bigger than life, Louder than silence, And warmer than he ever realized. When Uncle Ed loved you, You knew it— Because he showed up, Again and again, without question. The music feels quieter now, The room a little less bright, But his laughter still echoes In every shared memory and smile. I will miss you so much, Uncle Ed— Your joy, your kindness, your love. Thank you for the music, And for always being there. I will love 💗 💕 you forever! Your niece, Carol
Worked with Ed at EPC, he was a great boss. He always knew what was going on in the news, if you wanted to know and try to understand something he was good at explaining things. He was a good friend/boss
Worked with Ed for quite a few yrs and during that time we had a lot of breakfast’s together. Was always fun to be around and will be missed.