People think of Lawrence Krebsbach as the guy who was willing to help anyone and never looked for any glory in it. They’ll likely remember how loudly his actions spoke, never his words.

“You couldn’t believe how good he was,” said Norman Hecimovich said, chairman of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. “It’s so sad when we lose somebody like him.”

Krebsbach died Jan. 20, 2011, after battling with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), a progressively degenerative disease that affects the nerves, causing loss of muscle use.

Though not everybody knew him closely, most can remember when he wasn’t seen around town for much of the last year. He’s been tagged by many as a patriot.

Krebsbach served with the First Marine Division, Third Battalion in the Korean War from 1951 to 1954. He earned medals for his sacrifices, including the Purple Heart.

Not only will people remember him for his sacrifices, they will remember him for some of the pranks he pulled on people and many of his simple, good deeds.

Chuck Butler, a member at the DAV, knew Krebsbach for 40 years. He remembers Krebsbach installing flagpoles for anybody who purchased them.

“He’d dig the hole, plant the flag, raise it and salute it,” Butler said.

His willingness to help and share followed him in almost all his endeavors.

Arnold Earl, who knew Krebsbach for roughly 20 years, remembers how he loved hunting. But he always shared his take with others.

“He was a very caring, good friend,” Earl said.

Mention the name Krebsbach around the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) or Queen of Angels Catholic Church, and it will surely get noticed.

Krebsbach is survived by his wife, Doris, as well as five children and nine grandchildren.