September 30, 1946 – June 11, 2022
Anthony (Tony) Kruzich, 75, of Laramie, Wyoming, and formerly of Des Moines, Iowa, and Butte, Montana, passed away on Saturday, June 11, 2022, in Denver, Colorado.
Tony grew up in Butte, Montana, and graduated from Butte High School. After high school, Tony joined the Air Force and served during the Vietnam War, loading cargo planes with supplies for deployment to the ground troops in Vietnam. During his time in the Air Force, Tony married his beloved wife, Charline (Brown), who was also from Butte. Charline was the love of Tony’s life, truly his best friend. They were inseparable and did everything together.
After leaving the Air Force, Tony held several different jobs but spent most of his career working for Yellow Freight Trucking, managing trucking terminals in Butte, Billings, and Las Vegas, and ultimately working his way up to Customer Service Manager at the Des Moines, Iowa Customer Service Center. Tony adored his colleagues at Yellow Freight and loved the company’s golf outings, annual picnics, and happy hours.
From a young age, Tony had a deep love for the outdoors. He spent much of his younger life camping, hunting, fishing, and four-wheeling. He taught his children and grandchildren everything he knew, instilling a love of nature and the outdoors in them at an early age.
Tony suffered several health crises beginning in his early 60s, which impacted his ability to do many of the things he loved in life, but in spite of it all, his positive attitude never wavered. No matter his discomfort or pain, he always welcomed people with a big smile and a friendly conversation. He loved spending time with his family and seven grandchildren and entertained everyone with his amazing stories and hilarious jokes.
In his later years, with his mobility impacted, he loved visiting with his family and watching football, Westerns, and game shows. He loved his morning ‘cup of Joe’ to get ready for the day. He also loved a great meal, and a lesson we all learned from Tony is that “There’s nothing better than a good meal shared with family and friends.” Tony was definitely ‘one of a kind’ and left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
He is survived by his children, Robin (Mark) Willse of Des Moines, IA, and Todd (Paula) Kruzich of Laramie, WY, his seven grandchildren, Nicole Willse, Ethan Willse, Ellie Willse, Paige Kruzich, Garrett Kruzich, Ben Kruzich, and Jacob Kruzich, and his siblings, Caroline Pennington, and Vicki Hill.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Laverne Kruzich, and his beloved wife, Charline Kruzich.
Loved Tony! He sat next to Nicki Morey and myself at the beginning of the customer service center. Never a dull moment, laughed daily! He always spoke so fondly of Charlene, his children and his grand daughter. The world needs more Tony's. I will always remember you Tony. Rest in heaven and keep everyone laughing. I know you will.
Toni was simply the best Customer Service Manager. I knew him as a very kind and caring person. He would always greet you smile on his face and a positive attitude. He was an example for us all! I am sorry for your loss.
So very sorry for your loss. Tony was a great manager at Yellow and I am privileged to have known him. My thoughts and prayers for the family. Rest in peace Tony.
I am so sorry for your loss he was an amazing person and we all loved him at Yellow! He came to the center to visit from time to time and he just had a way of lighting up the place when he walked in! He will be missed greatly
This comes as heartbreaking news. My deepest condolences to his family. Prayers to you all for peace and comfort. He definitely was one of the kindest, and gentle soul I have ever met. It was an honor to have known him and work with him at Yellow. R.I.P. Tony
So sad to hear of Tony's passing. Such an amazing person. Always put a smile on my face. Fly high with the angels ❣️
I am so sorry to hear of Tony's passing. I remember him fondly at Yellow. All of us original managers were thrilled when he joined our management team. Always positive...always smiling. A very knowledgeable transportation colleague I feel proud to have worked with him. I wish peace and comfort in his family. Rest in peace Tony...you'll be missed.
Tony had the same birthday as myself. Had a lot of fun on that day. He was a kind & considerate Customer Service Manager. Always had a smile & a hello to all. Our condolences to the family of Tony, who had a great soul. Do sorry for your loss❤️
Sending prayers of comfort and strength to Tony's family. He was one of a kind with a giant heart and always a smile on his face. You will be missed. May you and Charlene be happy together again.
I'm deeply sorry for the loss of your father he was a very kind person. Rip my friend. Lorraine Corbin