Karl Kruzela Obituary

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Karl John Kruzela, a cherished member of the Tracy, California community, who peacefully left this earth at the age of 99, on Saturday, March 8, 2025, in Pleasanton, California. Karl was born on August 2, 1925 in West Allis, Wisconsin, where he graduated from high school in 1944. As an industrious 16 year old, he had several newspaper routes and clearly remembered the day he was asked to deliver a special edition about the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. In 1944, during WWII, he was drafted into the Army at the age of 18, where he served in the European Operations and earned many medals and badges, including the Bronze Star, and had the honor of meeting General George Patton. After being discharged from the Army in 1946, he earned a Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Milwaukee School of Engineering, and began his career in this field. His outgoing personality lead him to pursue a position in Sales, and he continued his career as a Mechanical Sales Engineer until he retired. In 1959, Karl married the love of his life, Lillian Kalvoda, and together they shared a remarkable 65 years of marriage. Starting in Colorado and residing there for 37 years, before settling in Tracy for the next 28 years. They built a loving family that includes their daughter, Karla and her husband Gerald Nazareno; son, Steve Kruzela; daughter, Maria and her husband Homayoun Farahani; four cherished grandchildren, Sheeva Farahani and Charlotte, Joseph and Gerianna Nazareno. Karl was devoted to his family and his greatest joy was spending time with them often, through gatherings, celebrations and traveling. His insatiable thirst for knowledge was unsurpassable, as he was inquisitive about everything and always eager to learn and share his insights with others. As a man of faith, Karl spent many years being active in the church as an altar boy, usher, member of the Knights of Columbus and catechist for engaged couples. He was very proud of his Czechoslovakian heritage, being fluent in the Czech language, listening and dancing to polkas and waltzes, and feasting on Czech cuisine. As a train enthusiast, he loved riding on trains, setting up model trains, and visiting train museums. With a lifelong focus on health, Karl exercised daily, maintained a nutritious diet and kept very active, allowing him to be with us for 99 amazing years. His kindness, warm smiles and positive energy will be greatly missed. Memorial visitation is on Thursday, March 27, from 3pm - 9pm, with a Vigil Service at 7pm, at Fry Memorial Chapel, 550 South Central Avenue, Tracy. Funeral Mass is on Friday, March 28, at 10:30am, at St. Bernard's Holy Family Center, 12100 West Valpico Road, Tracy. Celebration of Life Reception to follow at the Holy Family Center, from 1:00 -3:30pm. Family and Friends may also express their condolences online at www.frymemorialchapel.com search: Karl Kruzela Donations can be sent to Karl's favorite charity, Tracy Interfaith Ministries at tracyinterfaith.org. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Karl John Kruzela, please visit our floral store.