John Bruzek

John Thomas Bruzek, Sr., age 84, of Grantsburg, WI, passed away Saturday night, November 19, 2016. Born in Saint Paul, MN, on January 8, 1932, John was a son of the late Dorothy G. (Hoschette) and George J. Bruzek. He attended Catholic and public schools in St. Paul. John served this nation in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from January 14, 1949, and was honorably discharged on January 21, 1952. Primarily assigned with Service Company, 32nd Infantry Regiment (Sv Co 32nd Inf), John was awarded the Army of Occupation Medal-Japan, the Korean Service Medal with 5 Bronze Service Stars, a Presidential Unit Citation, and the Combat Infantry Badge. On February 2, 1952, John married Betty E. Simmons in St. Paul. In 1969, he and his family moved to Grantsburg, WI. He was employed at Northern Manufacturing Company in Grantsburg for numerous years, retiring in 1994. John was a life-time member of the American Legion, Brask-Fossum-Janke, Inc., WI Post 185 in Grantsburg. He served in various leadership positions, including twice as Post Commander, and had been manager of the Legion bar for many years. John was also a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Novak-Milliren, Post 4258 in Pine City, MN. A hard-working, good-natured individual, John was extremely devoted to his wife and children, and adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was also proud of his military service. John is preceded in death by his parents, George and Dorothy; his wife, Betty on Jan. 7, 2011; brother and his spouse, Arnold (Carol) Bruzek; grandson, Kenny, Jr.; granddaughter, Joni; great-grandson, David; and sisters-in-law, Dorothy Bruzek and Mary Ann Bruzek. He is survived by 9 children: Susan (Ken) Erickson, John (Dena) Bruzek Jr, Maryann (Doug) McCracken, Arnie Bruzek, Joanne (“Mac”) McCann, Gloria (Terry Sr.) Neuman, Barbara (Chuck) Wilson, Chris Schiefelbein (Don Knoepke), and Dawn (David) Johnson; 24 grandchildren: Susette, Eric, Teresa, Kenny, John III, Nick, Corena, Tammy, Lawrence Jr., Julie, Jasen, Arnie Jr., Jessie, Phillip, Misty, Adam, Terry Jr., Kelly, Tonja, Tabitha, Dennis, Rebecca, Kevin, and Aaron; 43 great-grandchildren; and 8 great, great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister, Patricia (Bill) Womack; brothers: Mel Bruzek, Bud (Marilyn) Bruzek, and Jerry Bruzek; and several nieces and nephews, and their families. A graveside committal of John's cremation urn and full military veteran honors will be conducted at 11:00 am, Saturday, May 6, 2017 at Riverside Cemetery, Grantsburg. Arrangements have been entrusted with Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Grantsburg, WI.