Kirby John Krulitz, 63

Kirby John Krulitz, 63, of Wallace, passed away Jan. 20, 2011, at Shoshone Medical Center in Kellogg. He was born July 1, 1947, in Wallace. Kirby was one of twin sons of Clement P. and Carrie A. (Aune) Krulitz.

Kirby attended and graduated from Mullan High School in Mullan 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 North Idaho College, where he received his associate's degree in auto mechanics.

Kirby had served in the U.S. Air Force in 1967-1971, during the Vietnam 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 Oct. 20, 1973, in Coeur d'Alene.

Kirby served as the Transportation Director for the Wallace School District for 22 years. He had also served as a beloved basketball coach for boys and girls for 25 years.

Kirby was a member of the Wallace Elks No. 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 in Wallace; three children, Jerrod Krulitz of San Diego, Calif., Kirsten and Brandon Voorhees of Irvine, Calif., and Jessica Krulitz of San Diego, Calif.; two grandchildren, Lauren Kaye Voorhees and Dane Floch; his twin brother, Art and his wife Sherry Krulitz of Pinehurst; and his uncles and aunt, John Krulitz of Silverton and Walt and Doris Krulitz of Mullan. 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 at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011, 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 Drive, Wallace, ID 83873.

You may sign Kirby's online guest book at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com.

Shoshone Funeral Services & Crematory, Kellogg, is entrusted with funeral arrangements.