Josephine Ann Kruk, 77, of Rock Cave, entered eternal rest on Sunday, December 27, 2020, at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown. She passed in the company of her loving husband after a courageous battle with cancer.
She was born in Huntington, NY, on August 7, 1943, a daughter of the late James and Rose Bonzera Zuzierla. In addition to her parents, Josephine was preceded in death by three siblings: Kathy Primus, Carol Kruk, and Sally Taber.
On October 6, 1962, Josephine married the love of her life, Frank Kruk. Together they shared the joys of marriage and raising their two wonderful children.
Forever cherishing their memories of Josephine are her husband, Frank Kruk of Rock Cave; two children: Frank “Butch” Kruk Jr. and wife, Jamie, of York Haven, PA, and Annette Lee Ann Kruk of Rock Cave; one grandchild, Weston Brady Kruk; seven siblings: Buddy Zuzierla and wife, Billie Sue, of Center Moriches, NY, Barbara Marty and husband, Mike, of Big Bear, CA, Gertrude Campbell of Snead’s Ferry, NC, Sandy Ricci and husband, Richard, of Kings Park, NY, Terry Zuzierla of South Hampton, NY, Vicky Smith of St. James, NY, and Jill McConville of Ho-ho-kus, NJ; and several nieces and nephews.
Josephine graduated from William Floyd High School in Mastic, NY. During her high school career, Josephine twirled baton and was the head majorette. After graduation, she married her high school sweetheart, Frank Kruk. She worked as a beautician in New York before moving with her family to West Virginia in 1980.
Once arrived in West Virginia, Josephine and Frank loved the wilderness so much that they became the owners and operators of the West Virginia Wildlife Center Gift Shop and Concession. They spent 30 years bringing joy to the children visitors before retiring in 2010.
Josephine was Catholic by faith and loved caring for her home and family. She also enjoyed hand caning the backs and seats of wooden chairs. Josephine shared her talent for baton twirling with many girls in Upshur County. She taught mostly on the private level but also assisted the coach at the high school. Josephine was a loving and thoughtful woman and will be missed by all who knew her.
Josephine’s request for cremation has been honored. A Private Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.
We, at Clutter Funeral and Cremation, are honored and privileged to serve the family of Josephine Ann Kruk. Online condolences may be expressed at www.ClutterFuneralHome.com.
