Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

In the early morning hours of Nov. 25, 2020, Joseph Victor Krebs peacefully left his earthly home to reunite with his family up in heaven.

Joe is survived by Elizabeth Saba Krebs, his devoted and loving wife of 40 years. Joe and Elizabeth got to know each other on the square-dancing floor and soon after, Joe joyfully brought her into his BIG Krebs family. They enjoyed big band music, spending time working on their home, and sharing a delicious meal and a good cup of coffee.

He was born to Emile and Elizabeth Gipson Krebs in June of 1930, and was the middle child of seven children raised in the shadow of his lifetime parish, Annunciation Catholic Church. He lived a Christ-like life that exemplified his Catholic faith.

Joe is also survived by two sisters and one sister-in-law, Patricia Leleaux of Crowley, Agnes Armentor of Lake Charles and Sue Krebs of Bogalusa. They described him as a dedicated brother and brother-in-law and a faithful son who took care of his mother throughout her life. They remembered that he always had a lot of friends who gathered at the house, drawn by his fun-loving nature, many who became lifelong friends.

He was welcomed into heaven by his father and mother, and four siblings, Bill Krebs, Juanita Fralick, Mary McDuff, and Richard Krebs. Joe was loved dearly by 25 nieces and nephews and many have shared their fond memories of their most special uncle:

“He was gentle and yet strong. He made us all feel loved and welcome when we were there. He always had a smile and a place in his heart for everyone he met. He loved our family BIG. He always had time for us and made us feel loved and special. Uncle Joe was a rock for a lot of us throughout our childhood and adult life.”

As a child he was altar server at Annunciation Church as well as a paperboy until his late teen years. He worked for Western Union, delivering messages during World War II. Served in the National Guard. Joe graduated from Bogalusa High School and started working at Gaylord Paper Mill when he was 18.

He served actively in his church as an usher, a member of the Knights of Columbus (for 70 years), and he generously made himself available whenever the church called, for anything from a handyman taking care of repairs and working at the bingo games.

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing, and celebrate the life of Joseph Krebs, a godly gentleman with a heart like Jesus.

In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to Annunciation Catholic Church in Joe’s name.

Memorial services will be at Annunciation Catholic Church, located at 517 Ave. B in Bogalusa on Wednesday, Dec. 2. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., rosary will be at 10:30 a.m., and the memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Burial will follow immediately at Hillview Cemetery.