Janice “Kay” K. Wozney
Janice “Kay” Katherine Wozney, 83, of Independence, died Sunday, March 24, 2024, at Mayo Clinic Health System - St. Mary’s Campus in Rochester, MN.
Kay was born in rural Fountain City, November 26, 1940, to Raymond and Irene (Kotlarz) Kujak. She was united in marriage to Joseph “JoJo” Wozney, December 1, 1962, at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Arcadia, and together the couple was blessed with four children.
Kay worked at Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic School as the school secretary for 30 years. She also worked at the rectory during that time. Kay was part of the Church Basement Ladies and took the lead role for several years, preparing funeral lunches and special meals for the parish. The meals that she prepared were as important to her as they were to the families she was cooking for. Kay was very involved with the parish and wore many hats when needed. She was a member of Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, the rosary society, and volunteered with various church activities and functions. She was also instrumental in the beginning phases of Starwood Rafters, Inc. along with her husband, Joe.
Kay dominated the bowling world for years at Club Midway and always looked forward to the annual trip with the ladies to the State Bowling Tournament. She was always a good sport and accompanied her husband, Joe, on his fishing expeditions. However, if the fish weren’t biting, they were known for frequenting the casino. Kay carried the lucky horseshoe when gambling and had to make up for Joe’s shortcomings. They also enjoyed going out to eat and the occasional old fashioned. There wasn’t a supper club in the area that they didn’t frequent.
Kay was easy going, even when she was left at the family cabin with her four young children. No phones, no car — no problem. Even when the kids ate Ex-Lax “candy bars” Kay didn’t lose her cool. A fish hook in the head didn’t rattle her, but when things got tough, she and Helge ventured to the Pike Haven with a pocket full of quarters to occupy the kids. The cabin still holds a special place in the hearts of many. Not only did the Wozney family treasure their time up north, many other family members and friends did as well. Today, the cabin remains a haven for all.
Kay treasured her friends and neighbors. They were a close-knit group of families that grew up together in the early days. The ladies tried to get together as much as possible, but when they were unable to do so, they continued to watch out and care for each other.
Most of all, Kay adored her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed cooking for her family and will always be remembered for her famous Polish Kluski. She enjoyed laughing at family get-togethers, listening to stories (and confessions) when gathered around the kitchen table. An occasional passerby would join this social event and add to the many good tales of the past.
Kay is survived by her children: Steve (Sue) Wozney of Independence, Brad (Renee) Wozney of De Pere, Geri (Dan Knudtson) Wozney of Eau Claire, and Corey (Cathy) Wozney of Arcadia; 11 grandchildren: Haley (Regan) Krupp, Alec Wozney, Josh Wozney, Mack (Sarah) Wozney, Adam Wozney, Jenna Wozney, Ethan Wozney, Evan Wozney, Bryant Wozney, Tannor Wozney, and Chayse Wozney; three great-grandchildren: Eli, Delilah, and Owen Wozney; brothers: Allen (Betsy) Kujak, Linus (Colleen) Kujak, and Lee (Janet) Kujak; sister: Bonnie (Gary) Klopotek; sisters-in-law: Darlene Wozney, Pat Sylla, Susan Hunn, and Mary Beth (Alan) Gamroth; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Joe, in 2015; father and mother in-law, Bernard and Susan Wozney; and brothers-in-law: Bernard Wozney, Paul Sylla and Joseph Hunn.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, with Father George Thayilkuzhithottu officiating. Family and friends were welcomed for visitation Tuesday, April 2, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, where there was a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m., followed by the Rosary, and also one hour prior to the service at church on Wednesday. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Kay’s honor may be designated to the Ss. Peter and Paul Church Restoration Fund or Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic School.
To express condolences to her family online, please visit www.edisonfuneralhome.com.
