Janice “Kay” Katherine Wozney, 83, of Independence, died Sunday, March 24, 2024, at Mayo
Clinic Health System- St. Mary’s Campus in Rochester.
Kay was born in rural Fountain City on November 26, 1940, to Raymond and Irene (Kotlarz) Kujak. She
was united in marriage to Joseph “JoJo” Wozney on December 1, 1962, at St. Stanislaus Catholic
Church in Arcadia, and together the couple was blessed with 4 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. She 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. She 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, her 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, but many other family
members and friends. 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, 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; 3
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.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at SS. Peter and Paul
Catholic Church with Father George Thayilkuzhithottu officiating. Family and friends are welcome for
visitation on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, from 4 to 7 p.m. at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, where there
will be a prayer service at 7 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 http://www.edisonfuneralhome.com.
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