Volunteer leads a life of altruism

Kathy Krizka’s roots lie in hospitality. So it is no coincidence that in every state she has resided, her jobs have consisted of care giving and serving. Upon returning to Shorewood, she established herself again in a position of selflessness. Krizka has become a dedicated volunteer at The Timbers of Shorewood, 1100 N. River Rd.

She calls Bingo for about 50 residents every Tuesday evening. When she’s not calling Bingo, she can be seen in the dining room serving residents.

Krizka explains her lifestyle with ease. “Volunteering just makes me feel good,” she said.

Krizka’s passion for giving began back in her teenage years growing up near Midway Airport on Chicago’s Southwest side. She began as a server for the popular banquet hall, the Sabre Room. However, it wasn’t until her move to Las Vegas that Krizka was introduced to caregiving. She took a position as a caregiver at Las Vegas’ Concorde Assisted Living. From there she traveled to Seymour, Connecticut, and began working in the kitchen as a cook and server for Smithfield Gardens Assisted Living.

She explains that she enjoys working with the elderly because, “We are all like little books. We all have stories to tell, and I always find them so interesting. But really, seniors seem to have the best ones.”
 
She is the proud mother of two grown children. Karl, her son, is a physical therapist married to his wife, Lee, a rehab peer counselor at Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn. Her daughter Kimberly is a TSA agent at Midway Airport married to a Chicago police officer and officer in the National Guard. Kriska also holds the title of grandmother for her daughter’s two children Justin and Kaylee.

Kathy Krizka inspires all who know her including her family. Hers is a life of altruism.

The Timbers of Shorewood is a rental retirement community which provides independent living and assisted living apartments and a full schedule of activities and services. Furnished apartments are also available for a short-term stay - a weekend, a week, a month or longer.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information contact Shelly Goggins at (815) 609-0669.