Marion Kryczka Obituary

My Grandmother was Tillie (Kryczka) Douros. I kept up on Marion's accomplishments. He was a great man.

Is this a little-known fact? Many years ago, Marion played blues harmonica professionally.

Marion, who I still consider the best professor of painting imaginable, will be greatly missed. I first met Marion in the summer of 2001 at SAIC's early college program. During those two weeks, his teaching style and sense of humor strongly impacted my relationship with painting. Based on his depth of knowledge and teaching style, I decided to stay in Chicago for my undergraduate degree and take every class he offered. Marion imparted so much wisdom to every one of his students. His museum trips were priceless. He knew the Art Institute's collection and was passionate about many genres and masters. He loved his family, teaching, fishing, comedy, poetry, art history, and good conversation. His talents were unmatchable. Here is a photo of Marion in July of 2001.

I'm so deeply saddened to hear of Marion's passing. He started as my figure drawing teacher, turned mentor, and also a source of income for a brief time after I graduated from art school (working as one of his figure models). I sadly lost touch with him after a few years when I ended my figure modeling career, but I still cherish those years and think of the time spent in his studio often. I especially think of him when I paint, tell crude jokes, or look at one of his paintings he gave to me as a gift. I meant to get back in touch with him over the years and I'm deeply regretting not doing it sooner. While I have many fond memories of him, there is one that speaks to his character the most and is the fondest to me by far. When I first met him as a teacher, Marion would occasionally bring dried sausages to class to share with whomever wanted any during breaks. He offered me a piece in one of first few classes. I thanked him but had to decline--I told him I couldn't have sausage due to kosher restrictions. I didn't think anything of it, as I have to politely turn down non-kosher foodstuffs reguarly-- it's not a big deal. The next time onward he always (always!) made sure to also bring pure beef kielbasa sausage, so that he would be able to offer a piece to me. This took me by surprise because him bringing in a snack to share was not expected, and he certainly didn't have to accommodate me on top of that-- but, he did anyway. (It was also really good kielbasa!) That gesture always stuck with me. His thoughtfulness was omnipresent throughout my friendship with him. He was always very supportive and encouraging to me and of my skills. He was one of the few instructors who gave useful critiques. He never minced words but at the same time I never heard him tear anyone down. He was truly a larger-than-life kind of person and I will never forget him (not at all a forgettable man, anyhow!) I wish I could have spoken to him one last time, to thank him for all he had done for me in my early years in getting started as a working artist. I wish his family my deepest condolences. May his good-natured spirit live on through all who knew him. Rest easy, Marion, and thank you.

I am so sad to hear of Marion´s passing, he was my figure drawing teacher at SAIC and was by far the most impactful teacher I had the honor of being instructed by. I still think of him when I draw and use the techniques I learned in his class to this day. He was also a great painter and all around wonderful human being. I recall him making the rounds in class demanding everyone´s best joke! I always have one ready because of him. I always thought one day wanted to let him know how grateful I was to attend his classes and how thankful I was for the invaluable knowledge he passed along to me. My sincere condolences. Cheers to a life well lived!

Wonderful Former Art Teacher At SAIC and Painter. Taught me so much. Will be missed.

Thanks Mr. Kryczka.
Eternal rest and peace.

You were more that just a teacher Marion. I still have the hammer you gave me, and you´d probably laugh to find out that I wear combat boots and carhartts every day. Like it´s my uniform.

I was fortunate to spend a lot of time with Marion. I had a lot of fun with Marion, lots and lots of fishing trips - Michigan, Florida, up and down the city, the Gulf Stream. I remember his laughter and excitement and the wild look in his eyes that he used to turn on like a flashlight to emphasize something.

Marion was a treasured friend and SAIC colleague. Thirty years ago, before class on my first day at SAIC, he came into my classroom and wanted to know what I was teaching - not the syllabus, but my personal views on teaching and artmaking. I was a little taken aback (my first day!), but soon we were in a conversation that went on for years.

His presence was undeniable, and even in death, he feels as vivid and passionate as only a force of nature can be. He had been in the military. He walked tall. He talked a lot. He swore. He sported a crewcut and often wore camouflage pants to class. Marion loved painting and conveyed that intensity to his students, who adored him and took his classes over and over again. He was an avid reader, quoting ancient Greek philosophers and historical commentary, impressing upon his students the gravity and scope of their aesthetic enterprise. One could not take his classes and be indifferent. That was his great gift to them.

I am looking now at a painting of his which we are fortunate to have - a beautifully painted still life of personal objects and some military and fishing paraphernalia - a distillation of an unforgettable friend and character. I shall miss him greatly.

My heart goes out to the entire family. I´m forever grateful for the time spent learning from Marion. The joy I felt in that classroom surrounded by so many talented friends, soaking in all the passionate teachings Marion had to offer us is something I´ll keep with me forever. Peace and warmth to all his friends and family.

Susie& family-"Then you will call&the Lord will answer; you will cry for help & He will say-"Here I am"Isaiah 58:9 Jesus said-"I will not leave you comfortless:I will come to you"John 14:18 My prayers are with you.

Marion will be remembered as Brilliant, Honest, Raw and truly Supportive. I was a model for Marion´s SAIC Classes and a student. 1988-1990 My deepest sympathies to The Family

He was the best figure painting teacher I ever had. Prayers for his family!

Susan Peace & Grace be with you and the family.

Marion was such a passionate and deeply feeling human. It was a pleasure and honor to model for his SAIC classes. Generous and real. My heart goes out to his family- big hug to you, Martha, from Cameron and me.

Mr. Kryczka was a force of nature, a generous and honest teacher, a true character in the best sense.
Grateful for having attended his classes.

After I started painting I visited Marion at his studio about 12 years ago. He gave ne some some good advice and generously shared his opinion. After I found out he couldn't visit his studio any longer, I thought that didn't sound so good. He was a great guy, a wonderfully accomplished artist, and I'm sure a fantastic teacher. I offer condolences to his family and I know his friends will miss him. His departure is a loss to the world. I have attached a painting of the sun setting, looking like concluding the day which seems seems appropriate for a sad time like this. I wish I could have taken you surf fishing before you left us. Your Friend, Robert Soltau

Marion was a huge talent even as childhood friend. I still have his ink drawing of me at 15 years old. The entire Major Avenue crowd will miss him.

Marion was an outstanding Instructor, friend and mentor. Absolutely irreplaceable. I am fortunate to have known him and laughed hard at his jokes and endured his valuable critiques. I am grateful to have known him.

Marion was by far my favorite teacher at SAIC. i took many classes with him both in Chicago and at Ox-Bow, where i was privileged to meet Martha. Still remember him giving me advice on my paintings in the studio with a cigarette hanging on his lips. Those were the best of times. Condolences to Martha and all who loved him.

Good journey to you, Marion. Thank you for the wealth of knowledge and drawing skills, and wonderful memories of your classes.

Marion and I went to Grammar school together. He was an incredible human being. I'm so sorry for your lost.