Stanley Charles Kulbitski, age 73, of Amery, WI, and St. Paul Park, MN, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2023, in Amery, WI.

Born on July 22, 1950, to Charles and Helen Kulbitski, Stan grew up developing a strong sense of community and hard work. He graduated from Park (Cottage Grove) High School in 1969, setting the stage for a life dedicated to service and family. Stan's career as a crane operator with the Operating Engineers Local 49 was a source of pride, spanning until his retirement in September of 2008. His commitment to his community was evident through his long-standing involvement with the St. Paul Park Fire Department, where he served from 1977 to 1997, including a term as chief from 1993 to 1996.

Stan married Marcia Kulbitski on August 26, 1989. They lived in St. Paul Park until 1996, when they moved to the serene Lake Wapogasset in Amery, WI. Together they were happiest spending time with great friends and family making lifelong memories at the lake.

Stan leaves behind a family he loved and cared for deeply, including his wife Marcia, daughter Kristen Kulbitski-Krumrie (Matt), sister Faye Owen (Ric), brother Victor Kulbitski (Sue), cherished granddaughter Kassy Jo, and sister-in-law Tami Swenson. Stan is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Helen, in-laws Emory and Norma Swenson, and brothers-in-law Jeffrey and Gregory Swenson.

Stan, affectionately known as "Stan the man," also loved football and fishing. He graduated from Park as the school’s all-time leader in sacks and loved watching football. He traveled to Lake Michigan to go salmon fishing and took fishing trips to Orr, Minnesota before he moved to Lake Wapogasset.

It was at Lake Wapogasset where Stan was truly at home. He loved to share stories about who was catching fish - and where they were catching fish. He loved catching the elusive walleye and crappies, and ice fishing. He found peace in the simple things - sitting on the deck watching boats go by, or simply enjoying the view. He enjoyed pontoon rides, bonfires, and having everyone on the lake stop over for conversation and laughs. Known for his quick wit and "Stanisms," he always had a good joke and made people laugh. He loved it when his daughter Kristen and family (Matt and Kassy) came for the weekend. As soon as they showed up, he would ask "Are you staying the night?" and when they said yes, his heart was full. Stan enjoyed road trips and exploring the small towns of Western Wisconsin with Marcia and close friends, each trip an adventure full of laughs and memorable moments. He was the go-to weatherman, always ready with a forecast. He served as the unofficial neighborhood watch, proudly looking out for neighbors at the lake.

Stan's spirit, humor, quick wit, and kindness will deeply be missed, but forever remembered. A man with a heart bigger than the universe, anyone who knew Stan loved him. He was just that kind of man.

Visitation for Stan will be held from 2-5 p.m. (with a short prayer service at 5 p.m.) on Friday, December 29, at the Williamson-White funeral home in Amery, WI (222 Harriman Ave N, Amery, WI 54001).

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, December 30 from 3-10 p.m. at the American Legion Richard Dingle Post 98, St. Paul Park, MN (328 Broadway Ave, St Paul Park, MN 55071). Join us as we come together to share stories and honor the life of a man who made an impact on so many.

The family extends special thanks to the staff at Willow Ridge Healthcare, Amery Hospital and Clinic, and Adoray Home Health and Hospice for their incredible care and support.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials in the name of Stan Kulbitski to Hope Kids (Hopekids.org), Adoray Home Health and Hospice (adoray.org), or the Lewy Body Dementia Association (lbda.org).

Last Update: Dec 27, 2023 12:56 pm CST