Joseph Adam Kaluzny of Owensboro, Kentucky

November 22, 1965 - November 14, 2022

Joseph Adam Kaluzny, loving husband of 31 years and father of 2, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, on November 14, 2022 at age 56 after a 3-year battle with ampullary cancer. His family is heartbroken but relieved that Joseph is able to ascend into heaven to be with his maker, Jesus Christ.

Joseph was born on November 22, 1965 in Joliet, Illinois to Barbara and David Kaluzny. Growing up, he was always surrounded by his 13 close, loving siblings. They shared many fond memories camping, fishing, and hunting “up north” at their family cabin in Pembine, Wisconsin. He attended St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School. During his high school years in 1983, Joseph met the love of his life, Nancy Webber. He graduated from Joliet Catholic High School before studying business and finance at Illinois State University. In his college years, he met some of his fondest friends and came to be known as “Joliet Joe” and “Snooze.”

Following college, Joseph married Nancy in 1991. Joseph then began his career in banking at First Federal Bank (La Crosse, Wisconsin) where he met another group of his greatest friends, known as the “HeMen.” Joseph continued to move up the banking ladder for the next 27 years at Associated Bank (Stevens Point and Green Bay, Wisconsin) and later US Bank (Owensboro, Kentucky). Throughout these seasons of life, Joseph and Nancy welcomed two children: Megan (1996) and Joseph (1998). As he grew in his career, Joseph always took time to attend every concert, dance competition, scout event, and hockey game for his children. As a father, he was dedicated to providing his wisdom, faith, and love for music and always pushed his children to follow their dreams. He was incredibly proud of their accomplishments and their character.

Over the years, Joseph’s love for his family and friends grew deeper. He spent many fall weeks hunting with “the boys,” sitting still in nature with God, and teaching his nephews all of the ins and outs of hunting. When he was not up north at the cabin, he was often grilling or smoking meat to make a delicious meal. He coined the phrase “light a grill, crack a beer, call a brother” and would spend hours laughing, chatting, and enjoying the company of his siblings and friends. He built on his relationships and took time for others with great intention.

Joseph was a faithful Catholic gentleman. Despite the many moves he and his family made across the country, he was involved in his local church community, partaking in the mass as a reader of God’s word and eucharistic minister and teaching 2nd-5th grade catechism with his wife. On Sundays, Joseph could always be found attending Catholic mass and watching the Packers defeat their opponents (“GO PACK GO!”).

On every other day of the week, Joseph flexed his intellect with various puzzles, brain teasers, books, and trivia. He was always very logic-driven and was known to be the most level-headed man in the room. He was as witty as he was wise.

Joseph had a daily ritual with his wife of sitting on their front porch, catching up over a glass of  bourbon or wine, and watching the sunset. We will always remember him when we see the sunset.

During his last years of life, Joseph courageously and graciously battled cancer. His faith never waned despite harrowing prognoses from his doctors. Joseph never once complained, and his true kindness and colors shined through. He provided comfort and care, even in his darkest days, to the ones that he loved. His gentleness and effervescent hope were his most admired features that he hoped to pass onto others after his death.

Joseph is preceded in death by his mother Barbara, father David, and brother Peter Kaluzny. He is survived by his wife Nancy, daughter Megan, son Joseph, brothers David Kaluzny, George Kaluzny, Stephen Kaluzny, John Kaluzny, and Robert Kaluzny, sisters Bridget Kaluzny Kim, Sarah Petroff, and Martha Henning, and step-siblings Joe Wiesemann, Bob Wiesemann, Carol Matre, and Ric Wiesemann, and their extended families spread throughout the United States.

In his memory, Joseph asked that we refrain from flowers and that donations be made to Alive Hospice or American Cancer Society.

A Catholic memorial mass will be held at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Joliet, Illinois on December 1, 2022 at 1:00pm. Following the mass, family and friends are welcome to join for dinner at Big Al’s in Joliet where we will celebrate his life, accomplishments, love, and, most of all, his kindness. If unable to make it to the ceremony, we ask that his loved ones enjoy time in nature and pause in remembrance watching the sunset. God bless Joseph.