Kirby John Krulitz, 63, of Wallace, Idaho, passed away January 20, 2011 at the Shoshone Medical Center of Kellogg, Idaho. He was born July 1, 1947 at Wallace, Idaho; Kirby was one of twin sons of Clement P. and Carrie A. (Aune) Krulitz.
Kirby attended and graduated from the Mullan High School of Mullan, Idaho in 1965. During his senior year, Kirby was a member of the 1965 Mullan High School basketball team that won the state championship; and later in 2004, this same basketball team was honored as the “Legends Of The Game” for the state of Idaho. Kirby also attended the North Idaho College, where he received his Associates Degree in auto mechanics.
Kirby had served in the U.S. Air Force in 1967-1971, during the Viet Nam era
Kirby has lived in the Silver Valley all of his life, except for the time he served in the military.
Kirby married Jone Cantamessa on October 20, 1973 at Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho.
Kirby served as the Transportation Director for the Wallace School District for twenty-two years. He had also served as a beloved basketball coach for boys and girls for twenty-five years.
Kirby was a member of the Wallace Elks #331 and a member of the Wallace Gyro Club. His passion was basketball and he loved and enjoyed working with children.
Kirby is survived by his wife Jone Krulitz of the family home of Wallace, Idaho; three children Jerrod Krulitz of San Diego, California, Kirsten and Brandon Voorhees of Irvine, California and Jessica Krulitz of San Diego, California; two grandchildren Lauren Kaye Voorhees and Dane Floch; his twin brother Art and his wife Sherry Krulitz of Pinehurst, Idaho; his Uncles and Aunt John Krulitz of Silverton, Idaho and Walt and Doris Krulitz of Mullan, Idaho; he is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and paternal and maternal grandparents.
A Celebration of Kirby’s Life will be held on Thursday, January 27, 2011 at 11:00 A.M. at the Wallace Junior/Senior High School gymnasium. The family wishes that everyone dress casual. A reception will be held for family and friends following services at the Wallace Elks; everyone is welcome.
The Family suggests in lieu of flowers, that memorials may be made to the Kirby Krulitz Memorial Fund c/o Mr. Jon Cantamessa 97 Creekside Dr. Wallace, Idaho 83873.
SHOSHONE FUNERAL SERVICES & CREMATORY KELLOGG, IDAHO is entrusted with funeral arrangements.
If you would like to leave a comment for the family please fill out the form below. It is important that you include to whom your comments are in rememberance of so that they will be posted to the correct individual. All comments will be posted by 8:00 a.m. the next day.
Not one person you've ever met could forget you, Kirby. You and Jone raised a great family, and raised many more kids that were not your own. Your impact on all those young lives will never be forgotten. Go with God, my friend! -- "Alabama" Sue Abel
Jone and family , I am so sorry to hear of Kirby's passing . I will always regard him as one of the finest people I have ever known. -- John Houchin
Jone and family I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers. -- Diane Gimello
What a great guy. He always about doing and teaching the right thing. Assomeone else said, the community is a better place for Kirby havin been here. I hope that you are doing well. My thoughts are with you! -- Mike Peacock
Jone and family our hearts and prayers go out to you all. Kirby will be missed by so many. He was such a special guy he would never pass you without a smile and a hello. He will be in your hearts untill you meet again. -- Bob and B.J. Case
Kirby was a kind and decent man who touched many generations. I only wish that he had been my coach in high school. My deepest condolences and hearfelt prayers go out to all of you. The world and our community is a better place because of Kirby Krulitz. -- Cheri Cuthbert
Jone and Family, Sorry we weren't able to attend the memorial. You have our heartfelt sympathy in the passing of wonderful soul. -- Dale and Lynn Gilbert
Jone, So sorry for your loss. I remember the day's of the food center thrift basketball team. We had so munch fun. Kirby and I really liked to win. He was always in my book. God Bless -- Larry Curry
Dear Jone and family, I am so sorry to hear of Kirby's passing. He was a GREAT person and will be so dearly missed. Know that you are all in my prayers. I will always see him Swan Laking it in the heavens!! God bless -- Marie and Matt Voltolini Kleffner
Jone, Sorry to hear of your loss. I know Kirby was a good man. I remember when he helped me with my Hot rod. Nice guy he will be missed! -- Pat Stroud
I don't think you truly knew how much you meant to the Silver Valley and also to me. I will miss you more than you know. Rest in Peace Kirbasious :) -- Torrie Stutzke
I regret that I was unable to attend the services. I am deeply moved by Kirby's passing. He was a great man and I will never forget the lessons he taught me. My heart goes out to you all. Sincerely, -- Carl de Simas
Played basketball for Lakeside 1996-2000. -- Sunni Mullen
From all the outpouring of love, fond remembrance, and kind sentiments, it is obvious that Kirby was well-loved and respected by the whole community. All of his family members can take comfort in the fact that he loved them more than anything else. He has left a wonderful legacy and example for others who knew him. We feel fortunate to have spent some quality time with him. -- Glenn and Sharon Voorhees
To the Krulitz Family: My deepest condolonces and prayers for your family. Kirby definately touched the lives of many people, me included. All I know of this, is that his legacy will live on through the many lives he touched! He will be missed dearly. The heavens above have definately received a great gift, an amazing angel. Sincerely, -- Jazmin(Crum) Garcia and Family
My deepest sympathy to you Jone and the rest of your family. I wil miss our chats when we would see each other. It was always fun to play with him and the other guys in the old mens league. My favorite memory was asking him to drive in for a layup on a fast break and he said he didn't like to shoot layups. So I set him up for his favorite shot out at the side of the court. It was like a layup for him. Give Art my condolences also. If I can be of any help to you please let me know. Regards -- Bob Brainard
My thoughts and prayers are with the Krulitz family. -- Jayme Nipp
My heart goes out to all of you. He will be missed by so many. He was a great man. -- Sheila (Suckow) Rhodes
I will remember Kirby as a lifelong friend. I'm so glad we got to see each other this summer at Donna and Leo's 50th. My deepest and sincere condolences and prayers to Jone, Art and Sherry and the entire Krulitz Family. I will miss Kirby and his wonderful smile. -- Paula Graham
Our thoughts and prayers for the Kurlitz family, God Bless. - Bill and Pam Bailey
So sorry for your loss and for not being able to attend Kirby's services. -- Llayde Doney
I know everyone will have their own thoughts and memories of Kirby. For me he it was his guidance and motivation that to this day still shapes the man I am. What a wonderful spirit and presence Kirby had, I am thankful to have known him. -- Erick Larson
My deepest and heart felt sympathy in your loss. Kirby was one of the nicest, kindest and most genuine people I have had the pleasure of knowing. He will not only be missed by his family but by all of the lives that Kirby touched. -- Carla Doney
My thoughts are with you and all your family, Jone -- Joanne Bellmore
We have many good memories of Kirby through the years. A life well lived and a wonderful man. May God Bless you all as you celebrate his life. -- Joann and Darrel Carlson
May the Lord comfort you -- Carl and Tina Hojem
Jone, I know words can't begin to explain what your going through at this time. Please remember that you and the family are in my prayers and will be on my mind during the celebration you have of his life. Call me please if you need anything, even if it's just to talk. Love and friendship, -- Donna Cropper
To the Krulitz Family – My heart goes out to all of you. Kirby was an absolutely amazing person, and he is going to be missed by an entire community. Kirby had a wonderful ability to connect with people, and I know I’m not alone in saying that Kirby meant a ton to me. While I’ve been very sad over Kirby’s passing, I’ve also been very thankful that I can say that I knew Kirby Krulitz, and that he had a big role in making me the person I am today. -- Tom Cuthbert
We are so sorry for your loss. Kirby will be missed by all of us. Everyone is in our thoughts and prayers. Love, -- Tiffany Tidd, John and Trevor Jessen
You are in our thoughts. Mike, LV and Carol Montgomery
We will miss Kirby and think of you Jone. -- Chris and Pam Conley
I am deeply saddened to hear of Kirby's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with Joni and the family. Kirby was a huge influence in my life. he took me under his wing as a dumpy 8th grade basketball misfit and turned me into a dumpy high school basketball starter. I still carry with me the lessons he taught me back then. He touched so many lifes, I am blessed mine was one of them. I will be unable to attend the services, but wanted to let the family know they are in my prayers. Kirby will be missed! -- Ryan Nipp
Would like to send our best wishes to Kirby's Family. He was a greart person alway happy and had time to say hello. You could tell he loved his work and he was good with the kids. I was also a bus director at Kootenai school. i meet Kriby at the State meeting and at ballgames.I drove and did the diretors job for 30 years. Always looked forward to see Kriby and Art at the meeting. So sorry to hear he had past so fast. But I am sure thats how he wonted it to be. He was just so relaxed and happy and could care less about the rest of the world. As long as it wasn't upsetting his. He will be missed we all could learn for him. God Bless all of you to have a person like him in your family a person you can really be proud of. He loved his family and friends and Basketball all the kids. -- Mazine Christensen
Sorry to hear about Kirby. We won't be able to make it up there,but we are thinking of you. He will be missed. A very neat guy. -- Bob and Myrna Caldwell
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. -- Rick and Lisa Backman
Jone, Jessica, Kirsten and Jerrod, My heart is breaking for you all. I have great memeories from my childhood of how wonderful Kirby was. You're in my prayers. All my love, -- Sheena Johnson-Panek
He was a good competitor and a good human being. -- Bob and Sheilagh Chambers
Joanie and family my deepest condolences and sympathy for your precious loss, i will never forget Kirby. -- Ernie Garcia
His gentle, positive spirit and contagious smile will never be forgotten. I was so very fortunate to have grown up in the constant presence of such an amazing person. His legacy will carry on for generations to come as we all aspire to be just a little like the man he was to all of us. One cannot mutter a negative word about the finest human being I have ever met. I am honored to say Kirby John Krulitz was my uncle and his life will serve as my guide forever. Good Bye Uncle Kirb until we come together again. -- Todd Cantamessa
The Silver Valley has lost a great man. No one really knows how much Kirby did for this valley. We will miss you Kirby. -- Jim and Rayma Shields
We are so sorry for your loss. Kirby was a wonderful person who cared greatly for others. -- Norm and Leslie Carpenter
My sympathy to the Krulitz family -- Lester White
Kirby was a great guy never a negative thing to say about anyone.He will be missed by all. My Heart goes out to his Family and the current and former kids he has coached. -- Judy Lees Capparelli
Kirsten and family I feel deeply for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. -- Mark Baker
I loved Kirby dearly! He has done so much for me and I am thankful for every word and moment I was able to spend with him. I know his legacy will live through all the lives he touched during his time with us. He is in a better place now and I am sure he is schooling them all in basketball :) My thoughts and prayers are with his family. -- Heather Angle
Although I never met Kirby, I feel like I know him through his daughter Jessica who thought the world of her dad. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Krulitz family and the town of Wallace who lost a wonderful man. May God bless you all. -- Steve Socha
Our prayers and tears are dealt today; for a wonderful man many will miss they say; such a loss is hard to know why, and many of us wil continue to cry. But just know that Kirby was loved so much by all; and he was then wisked away when the Lord did call. The great ones seem to leave so soon, and it simply breaks our heart; but keep the Faith and know that our Comforter will never keep us apart.(a poem for Kirby's loved ones, by Jodie Roletto) Amen! May God Bless you all and your families during this sorrowful time. Love in Christ, -- Jim and Jodie Roletto and family
My heartfelt prayers and love are with you in the great loss of your beloved Kirby, he certainly was a blessing to all that knew him--greatness is defined in my book as love and he will always be a man of greatness to his family and the community! -- Christi Thielman
I met Kirby when stationed in Sault Ste Marie,Mi. We were both as well as Art in the same shop. Kirby was quite a guy. He and I were single and got to know each very well. At the time he had a "69" Road Runner, Art had a "69" Chevelle. I would say that Kirby and Art are my best buddies. I still kept in contact with Kirby as I live in Ma. I would call him on the phone he was more a letter writer than I.Thank you Jone for sending the family letter to us each year. I was shocked when Art told me of Kirby's passing as I'm sure everyone who knew him feels now. My sympathy goes out to the whole family and all who knew and worked with him. He was always a true friend as well as Art still is. That only happens very rarely in life. Kirby was truly one of a kind and I will miss you Kirby. Your buddy -- Jon Blondell
Kirby was a man who was liked by all but was loved by all the girls he coached which he made a life time impression on he will be missed sq very much. -- Thomas Barber
Jone, my heart is breaking for you and your family. Kirby will be remembered fondly. -- Julie Crnkovich
I'm thinking of the whole family in this time of loss. Kirby was a great friend and coach and are whole family will miss him. -- Char Hayman
To us Kirby was a quiet man, respected and admired by those who met Him. He will always be admired and respected by his basketball Team and fans in our life times. God speed! -- Bob and Karan Lees
Dear Family, No words can adequately begin to lessen your loss. Only time and memories will soften the blow you have received. Take joy in all of the people, and the community, that are better for having known Kirby, because of his wonderful sense of humor, patience, understanding, and empathy to each individual's situation. Kirby has a special place in the heart and soul of every person he ever met. I am saddened, though, to think of the people, especially young people, that will never receive the benefits of having known Kirby. -- John and Garda Cuthbert
No words can express the sadness that is felt by the passing of Kirby. He has touched so many lives here in the valley. Our prayers go out to Jonie and the family. If there is anything we can do for you we'll do it. Love you jonie -- Charlie and Lanie Keller
My heart breaks for your family. Kirby will never be forgotten. He had such a powerful inpact on my daughter and basketball her class of 2007. He will be missed by all who new him. My prayers go out to his family. -- Debra Taylor
Joan and family, I share in your sorrow and will also miss Kirby. -- Joe Grismer
To the family of Kirby Krulitz, I North Idaho when you mention Kirby people do not think of a vacuum cleaner. There is only one Kirby and of course that is Kirby Krulitz. What great memories I have all through my life knowing Kirby and everything he was involved in. I, unfortunately have had to make out a few obituaries over the years and I know you are asked to keep it short. What a shame. To list everything Kirby was involved in, accomplished, and strived for would be a very large best seller. Life was too short for this great man. So for now I will think of the "57 in heaven." -- Dale and Arlene Lunen.
At a time like this the words we use to communicate with don't seem to be enough. Yes Kirby was 'somethin' and irreplaceable...both on and off the court as a player, coach, and citizen. I always admired the way Kirby carried himself. It was never about him. What he accomplished is difficult to truly put into perspective. All we can do is remember what he meant and gave to us. My heartfelt condolences go out to everyone in Kirbys'family(ies)I only wish I could be there to honor him with the rest of the Silver Valley. May his star shine forever. RIP Kirby. -- Pat Wheeler
We want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of the family. Kirby has given us all wounderful memories that we will never forget. We will all miss him. -- Don and RC Hayman
Heartfelt condolences to Jone and family. Kirby unselfishly has given so much to so many... which did not go un-noticed nor un-apprciated. What an amazing role model for the rest of us. His genuine compassion will always be remembered. -- Margie Todd
