Edgar R. Krasts II Obituary

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.

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.