Toomas E. Kriisa's Obituary
Toomas Enn Kriisa, 66, of Decatur, died June 1, 2018 at his residence.
Toomas was born September 5, 1951, in Decatur, IL, the son of Harry and Veera (Kivik) Kriisa. He married Janice Whitehead Grigg on December 26, 1988, in Decatur, IL, at the First Lutheran Church.
Toomas was a University of Illinois alum, earning a B.S. and M.S. in Physics. In 1990, he founded his own private company, Kriisa Research Inc. He was an avid sports fan rooting for all the Chicago teams and the Illini and loved watching Jeopardy, often commentating on the contestants’ poor betting strategies in the final round. He regularly went out for long walks to think about a challenging physics problem, and he was often seen pushing his son, Peeter, in a jogging stroller along the Stevens Creek trail. Toomas was always full of laughter – after spending time with him, you would feel a bit more hopeful, optimistic, and encouraged.
He was a lifelong member of First Lutheran Church where he served as a deacon, and he taught classes at Richland Community College and LSA.
Surviving are his wife, Janice; children, Gail Grigg (Dee) of Madison, WI, Ty Grigg (Laura) of Highland Park, IL, Peeter Kriisa of Decatur, IL; sisters, Mare Leo (Richard) of Rochester, NY, Tiina Kriisa-Leo (Tim) of Rochester, NY; three grandchildren, Fiona, Henry, and Samuel; nephews Erik, Mark, Brian, Kristofer, and Isak, and niece Liisa.
Memorial services will be held 11:00 AM, Thursday, June 7, 2018, at First Lutheran Church. Visitation will be from 10:00 – 10:45 AM at the church prior to service time. Condolences may be left to the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com. Memorial donations may be made to Janice Kriisa for the care of their son, Peeter.
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