Gladys Kraynak 1945-2025

She was the chief financial officer and secretary for Kraynak Roofing until her retirement in 2007.

Gladys was born Sept. 27, 1945, in Youngstown, the youngest child of Eric Aho and Lempi Saare. She grew up in Girard and graduated from high school there in 1963.

That summer, she was hired to work in the accounting department of Dollar Bank downtown.

Gladys rode the Mosier bus to work and back every day for three years.

In 1966, she had saved enough money to buy a new car and went to the nearest Chevrolet dealer. A salesman named Romeo spotted her coming in. He smiled, walked up to her and said, “I’ve got just the car for you.” That car was a red 1966 Chevelle SS convertible with a 396 engine, well-known at the time as a very fast car. Gladys bought it on the spot. It was scary. But she never drove it fast, and it turned out to be great transportation for her.

Mrs. Kraynak loved going on driving vacations with her husband, Joe, and son, Brian. They visited many locations across the U.S. Their favorite memories were from their times at Pompano Beach, Florida. They had also traveled to Hawaii and Europe.

Outside of work, Gladys’ life centered around family and her church. She always maintained contact with her many cousins. She served as babysitter for most of them when they were growing up.

Gladys always attended Sunday services at Trinity Lutheran Church in Girard. She served as a reader and scheduled other church members to the task. She helped in the kitchen, and during the summer, school and working with the children. She was instrumental in initiating the annual Trash and Treasure sale held in the church basement.

Gladys leaves her husband, Joseph, whom she married in 1968, her son, Brian, of Raleigh, North Carolina; and two grandsons, Andrew of Macomb, Michigan, and Alex of Arkdale, WisconsinI.

She also leaves nieces, Pamela DeGenaro, Margret Steele, Suzanne Malys, Jeannie Miller, Sandy Macli and Janice Sedlock; and nephews, Martin, John and Walter Aho.

Along with her parents, Gladys was preceded in death by her brothers, Albert, Walter and Einar; and her sister, Esther.

Family and friends can visit Trinity Lutheran Church in Girard, 10:15 A.M. Wednesday, June 11, 2025, with a service for Gladys to follow at 11 a.m.

She will be laid to rest in Poland Riverside Cemetery.

The family asks that material contributions be made to Akeso Hospice in Canfield.

To view this obituary and send condolences to the family, please visit www.blackstonefuneralhome.com.

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