Joseph A. Kruzel, 89, Long Prairie

February 5, 1928 - March 14, 2017

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 am, Saturday, March 25, 2017 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church for Joseph A. Kruzel, age 89, of Long Prairie who passed away Tuesday at Highland Senior Living Center in Little Falls. Fr. Omar Guanchez will officiate and burial with military honors will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Long Prairie. Family and friends may call one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday. Arrangements entrusted to Williams Dingmann Funeral Home – Stein Chapel, Long Prairie.

Joseph Anthony Kruzel was born February 5, 1928 in Little Falls, Minnesota, the son of Joseph and Agnes (Prokott) Kruzel. He grew up on a farm near Sobieski and attended country school there. He served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged. He married Virginia “Jean” Dombovy on June 4, 1951 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Royalton. They farmed near Grey Eagle until 1968. Joe also did carpentry work. In 1970, the family moved into Grey Eagle and in 1971 they moved to Long Prairie. He worked in the bindery at Hart Press (RR Donnelly) until retiring. He was also the caretaker for the cemeteries in Long Prairie for many years.

Joe was a member of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, and the Long Prairie American Legion and V.F.W. He enjoyed cutting wood and mowing the grass.
Joe is survived by his children, Shirley (Gordy) Reecy, Grey Eagle, Robert (Lynn) Kruzel, Long Prairie, Sharon Kruzel, Long Prairie, Ronald (Debra) Kruzel, Sobieski, Lawrence (Joan) Kruzel, Long Prairie, Carl (Corinne) Kruzel, Florissat, MO, Kevin Kruzel, Little Falls, Lyle (Mary) Kruzel, Browerville, and Charlene Kruzel, Dunnegan, MO; brother, Tony Kruzel, Little Falls; sister, Mary Brezinka, Royalton; 21 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren, and nine great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Jean in 2012, infant daughter Mary, grandson Cody Kruzel, great-granddaughter Gracianna Reecy, and four brothers Sylvester, Frank, Danny, and John.