John S. Kristoff 68, of North Ridgeville, (formerly of Elyria) died peacefully in his sleep Saturday July 9, 2011 at his home following a long illness. He was born September 15, 1942 in Elyria and was an area resident his entire life. John was a 1960 Elyria Catholic High School graduate. He served in the United States Air Force from 1960 to 1964 as a crash crew firefighter, which began his love of fire fighting. John worked at Ridge Tool on the vice line until he achieved his wish of becoming an Elyria Fire Fighter in 1971. He was promoted to Lieutenant/EMT; he devoted his special interest to rescue; often using his own money to equip the rescue truck which at the time was an old panel truck painted red. When the City of Elyria decided to replace the old truck, he helped design the rescue truck which he happily did as it was his dream. John was given commendation by The City of Elyria; The American Legion chose him as of Fireman of The Year. The love of his career was cut short as John became stuck in a trailer where a backdraft gave him chemical burns to his lungs and second and third degree burns to his body. Due to the injuries he received, John was placed on full disability in 1991 from the career he devoted his life to. John enjoyed playing golf, which he enjoyed many great times playing with his brother fire fighters and good friends. Survivors include his wife of forty six years; Sherry A. (nee: Kirsh), a son; Mike (Joyce) of Amherst, and two daughters; Shelly Litten (Rick) of Elyria, and Mary Jo Wolfe (Dan) of Grafton. Additional survivors include; several grandchildren, a brother; James of Sheffield and a sister; Barbara Vergin of Elyria. He was preceded in death by his father; John Kristoff in 1955 and his mother Rosemary in 2009. Friends may call 4-7PM Tuesday July 12, 2011 at The Laubenthal Mercado Funeral Home 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. (at State Rt. 57) where closing prayers will be at 10:30 AM Wednesday. Funeral Mass 11:00 AM Wednesday July 13, 2011 at St. Mary Church 320 Middle Ave. Elyria. Fr. Thomas Hagadorn will be the Celebrant. Burial will be private at St. Mary Cemetery, Elyria. John's family asks for support of firefighters who risk their lives to save others. John fought for many years with his illness that finally ended his life. Online condolences can be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com Service: 11:00 AM Wednesday July 13, 2011 St. Mary Church 320 Middle Ave. Elyria, Ohio Visitation: 4-7 PM Tuesday July 12, 2011 Laubenthal Mercado Funeral Home 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. Elyria, Ohio