Donald Allen Krigbaum

Donald Allen Krigbaum (Don), 85, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, in Erie, PA on December 8, 2023.

Don is survived by his wife Linda Fay (Krogstad) Krigbaum, daughter Kimberly Smrcka, son Dr. Michael Krigbaum (Rev. Anna Golladay), and grandchildren: Trevor Hamilton, Frank Smrcka, Grace Smrcka, and Hannah Smrcka. Brothers Francis Krigbaum and Carl Krigbaum are deceased. He leaves behind many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends from across the country.

Don was born on June 8, 1938, in Rensselaer, Missouri to Everett & Viva Krigbaum.

Don married Linda on Sept 3, 1966, in Richland Missouri at First Baptist Church. He received a bachelor's degree from Drury University in Springfield, Missouri, and later a master's degree in Government Management from George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

Don spent his career in human resources for the United States federal government, remaining proud of his long service and many accolades. He served several agencies during his more than five decades of employment – 43 years as a federal employee and another 11 as a contractor. He had a deep affinity for the history of the U.S. government and could often be counted on for trivia answers long forgotten by many.

The majority of his adult life was spent living in Brunswick, Maryland. During retirement, he and Linda made a home in both Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Corry, Pennsylvania.

Don’s commitment to civic contribution extended to the Brunswick City Planning Commission, as president of Brunswick High School Band Boosters, and involvement with the Brunswick Heritage (Railroad) Museum. He was selfless in his service to the First United Methodist Church of Brunswick, serving in several roles and chairperson-ships, and as a volunteer at Frederick Memorial Hospital.

It has become difficult to summarize the impact of Don’s life on those who loved him. He was a man of deep Christian faith and found joy in the arts – especially music, fine arts, and theater. Don enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren excel in the arts. Retirement offered Don time to travel, reminiscing regularly about a recent trip to Hawaii with all of his children and grandchildren. Don loved experiencing the holidays from the creativity of Halloween costumes, to an impactful Easter sermon, to colorful Christmas decorations. He enjoyed discussing all matters of intellectual importance – politics, foreign policy, religion, and more.

More than anything, Don will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His gentle smile and spirit made him slow to anger. He was thoughtful in his responses and provided insight and advice that will live with his children and grandchildren forever. Above all, he wrote the book on what it meant to be a man of character and integrity. He will be missed greatly, but he was loved more. Arrangements are being handled by Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. in Erie, PA. Burial will be in Missouri at a later date. A memorial service will be held in Brunswick, Maryland in 2024.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Corry Area School District or Corry Oncology Clinic at Corry Memorial Hospital.