John K. Critser
COLUMBIA – John K. Critser of Columbia was a thoughtful person who was passionate about his children, his family and working with students doing scientific research.
His wife, Elizabeth S. Critser, said those were the three most important things in his life.
“He was a very thoughtful person, and he was a very driven person,” Elizabeth Critser said. “It was very important to him to be productive and get things done. He cared a lot about taking care of the people that were a part of his life, and this was true for his family and true for his students.”
Mr. Critser was the Gilbreath-McLorn Professor for Comparative Medicine at MU.
“Probably more than anything he enjoyed working with graduate students and watching them develop into young professionals and, in some cases, moving into seasoned professionals that are well known in their field,” Elizabeth Critser said.
Mr. Crister died Monday, March 21, 2011, at Boone Hospital Center. He was 57.
Mr. Critser was born Nov. 7, 1953, in Galesburg, Ill. He enjoyed hiking and photography, and he was active in various professional organizations. He also enjoyed working with zoos on conservation efforts for endangered species.
He received a bachelor’s degree from Ripon College in Ripon, Wis., and a master’s degree and doctoral degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. While in graduate school, he met his wife.
He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth S. Critser; a son, Paul Critser, and wife, Julie, of Indianapolis; a daughter, Rebecca Critser of Indianapolis; a brother, James Critser, and wife, Diana, of Monmouth, Ill.; a grandchild, Henry Critser; a niece, Jessie Critser; and a nephew, Dirk Critser.
His parents, Kenneth and Bernice (Sandall) Critser, died earlier.
A service will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday at Parker Funeral Service, 22 N. Tenth St. in Columbia.
Memorials may be given to Cryobiology Research Institute Inc. — Critser Endowment, 1102 Indiana Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46402, or Monmouth-Roseville High School, Attn: Jeff Bryan, 325 W. First Ave., Monmouth, IL 61462.
Online condolences may be left at parkerfuneralservice.com.
