To one of my favorite teachers. Mr. C always knew that I was interest in Physics. He would always crack jokes and all of us and make us laugh. I learned soo much from Mr. C . Rest in Peace , Teach
~ Thomas Kostopoulos,
Streamwood, IL
Mr. Crnkovich is the single most influential teacher in my entire experience. He is someone who comes up in my thougts daily even though I last saw him in 1963 when I graduated from Wauwatosa West High School. I took physic from him and I played two years on the varsity vollyball team which he coached. I have quoted him to others over the years and continue to do so today. My friends and family are used to hearing me say "Crazy Joe said...". It is with respect for the man and joy for my luck in having known him that I morn the loss of him and smile every time I think of all I learned from. He truly taught me how to think!
~ Gary Leive, PdD,
Black Mountain, NC
Joe Crnkovich was probably my favorite high school teacher in the class of 62 at West. I had the joy of meeting him again at the 50th West class reunion. My condolences to his family. He made physics fun. I still remember him pacing back and forth at the front of the class trying to get across the idea of acceleration and velocity.
~ Charles Kronenwetter,
New Berlin, WI
My sincere condolences to the Crnkovich family for the loss of Mr. Crnkovich. I was fortunate enough to have Mr. Crnkovich for two physics courses at Wauwatosa West in 1983-1984. He was truly an inspirational teacher who had a profound impact on my life including motivating me to obtain my doctorate in Atmospheric Science. I was also fortunate to teach Physics as a member of the United States Air Force Academy Department of Physics Faculty from 1996-98, and 2001-2004. Using Mr. Crnkovich as a role model, I called upon his unique teaching style and motivational methods to encourage and inspire future Air Force Officers in Physics and technical career choices. I paled in comparison. I would like to think, actually I know, that he served through me to produce many outstanding Air Force Officers, many of whom went on to positions of great responsibility including obtaining doctorate degrees and leading Airman and organizations in the service of our country in a time of war. It is with great joy to learn of his service as an aircraft mechanic during WWII...something I wasn't aware of until just now. May God bless him and the entire Crnkovich family during this difficult time.
~ Kurt Brueske, PhD,
Omaha, NE
My brother and I both enjoyed learning about physics in Mr. C's classroom at Tosa West in the 70's. He sparked a lifelong interest in science for us both.
~ Jean (Matz) Kaldunski,
Brookfield, WI
My sympathy to Kay, Bill and all the Crnkovichs on your loss. While we cannot heal your heartache, remember your life time of loving memories can never be taken from you. May you find solace in them.
~ Mary Kay Wagner,
Milwaukee, WI
Our sympathy to the entire family. Our memories are good. Hugs, John & Barb
~ John & Barb Reiter,
Ellsworth, MN
He was my physics teacher Junior year..1980. He made it so fun.. I signed up for Advanced physics senior year
. Still remember his class fondly. It was one of my favorites. I'm sure I was not the only student impacted by him. Thank you Mr C!
~ Susan Winter,
Wauwatosa, WI
RIP Mr C, you were one my favorite teachers of all time! I will never forget you, and how we learned not only Physics, but we learned how to learn. Close only counts in hand grenades, and atomic bombs, F=MA, E=MC2, and may the Force always be with you! I wish I could be there for the services, but know that with my hobby of astronomy, I will be thinking of you every time I look at the stars!
~ Timm Bottoni,
Bartlett, IL
Mr. Crnkovich "Crazy Joe" as he was affectionately known by his students was my homeroom and advanced physics teacher at Tosa West. 1964 thru 1967 He was an amazing teacher and treated his students with respect and as adults. We discussed the Viet Nam war as it was starting to escalate and many other topics. He was a great role model. We missed him when he went to India my senior year but I ran into him that following summer and he invited me into his house to tell me about his experiences. I fondly remembered him from time to time over the years and now that he has gone I wish I had kept in touch. Truly a great human being
~ Jeff Jonas,
Greenwich, CT
