Joseph “Thank You Joe” V. Kruzitski, 90

Joseph “Thank You Joe” V. Kruzitski, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away on August 7, 2023, in Stevens Point, at the age of 90.

Joe was born January 28, 1933, in the town of Stockton; son of Edward and Belvina (née Daczyk) Kruzitski. Growing up on the family farm, Joe learned the value of hard work at an early age. This dedication and strong work ethic would follow him throughout his life.

He began working at the paper mill in 1951 and would continue to do so until his retirement in 1992. In 1953, Joe bravely joined the U.S. Army and proudly served his country until 1955.

In that same year, Joe would marry the beautiful Anita Somers. The two were united in marriage on April 11, 1955 and dedicated their lives to each other and their five children. Joe and Anita spent 43 blissful years together until Anita’s passing in 1998.

To provide for his family, Joe did more than work at the paper mill; he demonstrated that strong work ethic he learned at a young age by also working as a Viking Snowmobile dealer from 1966-1976 and, in 1985, started his own business, Thank You Joe Limousine Service. He would continue to joyfully operate his business until 2007.

Joe lived his life to the fullest in every way. While he was very active in his community and his family’s lives, he also took time to enjoy his own hobbies such as listening to polka music, especially Daylan’s music, snowmobiling and collecting cars, tractors and Viking snowmobiles. He even enjoyed hunting and fishing; but likely didn’t bring a gun or a pole.

Another passion of Joe’s was traveling. He enjoyed traveling the world and collecting rings and belt buckles along the way. He even loved to jump in the car and simply drive and enjoy the ride; wherever his vehicle took him. Joe also had a soft spot for his sweets and pies, especially Glazers and a good coffee with cream.

Anyone who knew Joe, knew he was always on the go. He was a sharp-dressed man, without a hair out of place, who didn’t stop at working hard; he was also an active participant in numerous community organizations. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, American Legion Post 006, Polish Legion of American Vets Post 185, Moose Lodge, Arnott Area Star Riders Snowmobile Club, the treasurer of Arnott Lions Club, and an Honor Flight attendee. He brought joy and laughter to every organization of which he was a part.

In fact, he was the life of the party no matter where he went, whether it was attending his grandchildren’s school and sporting events, attending church picnics, polka dancing, or greeting people with his Polish one-liners; everyone loved his friendly personality. Over the years, Joe acquired numerous friends; so many that the famous “Thank You Joe” couldn’t go anywhere in town without knowing someone. And if he didn’t, it was his opportunity to make new friends.

Joe earned his nickname, Thank You Joe, for good reason; he was a living example of kindness, compassion, and generosity. “Thank you, thank you,” was a part of every sentence he spoke. He loved to donate anything he could, and never said “No,” to anyone who asked for help. He would give the shirt off his back for anyone and never complained. Joe’s most favorite thing to share with others was his sense of humor. He was a jokester who was funnier than hell; the best horse in the barn.

Joe is lovingly survived by his special friend, Kathy Glodowski; his children, Duane “Wiener” (special friend Judy Sopa) Kruzitski, Kathryn (Pat) Scott, Jane (Robert) Enkers, Douglas (Jen) Kruzitski, and Mariette (Scott) Booth; his grandchildren, Ryan (special friend Annie Vargas) Scott, Karissa (Ed) Sankey, Jared (Katlyn) Enkers, Daylan Enkers, Shaun (Kristin) Kruzitski, Noah (Lindsay) Kruzitski, and Allie Booth; great grandchildren, Easton and Ryder Scott, Evan and Sidney Kruzitski, and Ava Enkers; step granddaughters, MacKenzie and Maddie Pliska; and one step great-grandson, Riley Sankey. He is further survived by two sisters, Frances “Fan Belt” Kaminski and Audrey (special friend Richard) Bemowski; two brothers, James (Virginia) Kruzitski and Edward (Jean) Kruzitski; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Anita; his parents, Edward and Belvina; brothers, Harry, Johnny, and David Kruzitski; a sister, Patsy Studinski; and special brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Thank you, Thank You Joe, for all the great memories and all the lives you touched. “I love everybody and everybody loves me. If you love everybody, you’ll see how happy you’ll be.” Napijmy się piwa! Catch you later!

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Wellington Place in Stevens Point, Dr. Ravi, the staff at Aspirus Hospital Stevens Point, and the Compassus Hospice Team, for the amazing care and support given to Thank You Joe and his family. Additionally, the family would like to thank and acknowledge the Aging & Disability Resource Center in Stevens Point, for their unwavering support and endless amount of resources that not only benefited Thank You Joe, but his family as well. Their guidance and expertise were amazing.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held to honor Joe at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at St. Bronislava Catholic Church, 3200 Plover Rd., Plover. Friends and family are invited to gather and share memories from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at Shuda Funeral Chapel, 3200 Stanley St., Stevens Point, and again on Wednesday at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park in Wisconsin Rapids.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.shudafuneral.com.