Gregory Jerome Kralis, devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and loyal friend, passed away on Feb. 12, 2025, at the age of 68.
Born in Gary to Jerome “Jerry” and Savina Iussig Kralis on Oct. 5, 1956, Greg was the fourth of 12 Kralis children, all raised in Warsaw. It was within this large and lively family that he first developed his adventurous spirit, boundless curiosity and natural leadership. Whether it was a family project, a game in the backyard, or a big life decision, Greg was always in the thick of it bringing energy, enthusiasm and his trademark sense of humor.
Greg’s passion for teamwork and competition was evident from an early age. A proud Warsaw Tiger, he excelled in both football and wrestling. He then attended Purdue University (1975-1980) where he walked onto the wrestling team and quickly ascended to team captain, an achievement that spoke to his relentless determination and leadership. He was also a proud brother of Alpha Tau Omega, where he built lifelong friendships.
After earning his degree in building construction technology from Purdue, Greg began his career with General Electric. His work took him across the country, and eventually to Tampa, Fla., where he became an entrepreneur in 1995 co-founding one of Tampa’s first microbrew pubs, New World Brewery, with his best friend. It remains a popular establishment to this day under the name New World Tampa. In 2004, he returned to his roots in Warsaw, settling on a farm in Oswego. At the time of his passing, Greg was a project manager at Milestone Construction, where he was known not just for his skill and work ethic, but for his mentorship, humor and ability to bring people together.
A true teammate on and off the mat, Greg was always pushing. Pushing himself to be better. Pushing his teammates and coworkers to strive for excellence. And, of course, pushing buttons whenever he saw the opportunity to get a laugh. His quick wit, playful nature and infectious enthusiasm made him a joy to be around.
Beyond work and sports, Greg had a passion for nature, art and creativity - a self-described “gentleman farmer” who loved tending his land and creating beautiful art out of anything. Together with his beloved wife, Cindy, they maintained a large organic garden and wildflower field, grew organic hops for local breweries, studied the wild birds and kept honeybees. Greg single-handedly was reforesting their property earning the nickname, The Lorax, Guardian of the Forest, from his nieces and nephews. Their home was a peaceful and welcoming gathering place for all.
Greg found joy in helping anyone, anywhere, with anything, never hesitating to lend a hand, be a mentor, offer advice or simply share a story and a laugh. Happiest when actively engaged, one of his constant refrains was, “Be a participator, not a spectator.”
Greg is survived by his wife, Cindy (Jones) Kralis; his son, Stephen Rubio, of Columbia City; and his stepchildren, Coulter Dile, of Kalamazoo, Mich.; and Tawny Dile, of Fort Wayne; along with his cherished grandson, Lennon. He also leaves behind 11 siblings: Suzanne (Steven) Light, Warsaw; Cynthia Georgas, Dallas, Texas; Mark (Anna) Kralis, Warsaw; Therese (Allen) Kralis-Koch, South Bend; Hilary (Stephen) Bradford, Dove Canyon, Calif.; Christopher (Elaine) Kralis, Tampa, Fla.; Diane (Julius) Perr, Greenwood; Mary (Ted) Hoppe, Newton, Mass.; Joseph (Kelly) Kralis, Jacksonville, Fla.; Leslie (Stephen) LaBarge, Indianapolis; and Andrea (Fabrice) Toscano, West Simsbury, Conn.
Greg was a beloved uncle to over 28 nieces and nephews and surrounded himself with countless friends who cherished his unwavering support. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jerome (2004) and Savina Kralis (2024); and brother-in-law, Nick Georgas (2021).
Greg’s legacy is one of hard work, camaraderie, laughter and an unshakable belief in lifting others up. Never just a spectator, he was an enthusiastic “participator,” and his spirit will live on in the many lives he touched.
Arrangements are entrusted to Titus Funeral Home & Cremation Services. A Life Celebration® visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday, Feb. 28 from 4 to 7 p.m. at 2000 Sheridan St., Warsaw. On Saturday, March 1, visitation will be held one hour prior at the funeral home with his Life Celebration® service beginning at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests you plant a tree in Greg’s memory at https://alivingtribute.org/ or donate to youth programs at Baker Youth Club, Warsaw, IN 46580.
To leave a condolence please visit: www.TitusFuneralHome.com.