The world lost a beloved mother, Gladys Krusniak, on March 9, 2022.  Gladys Marie (Majewski) Krusniak, who loved to be called "Mom-moo" by her grandchildren, was born in Ludington on May 10, 1935, to Walter and Florence Majewski.  She was the middle child of 3 beautiful girls: the late Evelyn Widgren and the late Janet Krause.

Gladys was a devoted mother to Jean St. Germain (John St. Germain), Craig Krusniak (Barbara Krusniak), William Krusniak (Michelle Krusniak) and Christine Wagberg (Don Wagberg).  She raised her children with love and devotion in the home she and her late husband, Adolph Krusniak, built in the beautiful woods of Manistee.

Mom possessed a contagious smile and a gift of joy that she bestowed on family and strangers alike.  Throughout her life she maintained a sweet and simple aura that won the trust and hearts of many.  Her signature gift of joy, shown through her constant smiling, laughter, and joking around, will never be forgotten.

After grduating valedictorian of her class in 1953 at St. Joseph High School, Manistee, she married her sweetheart, Adolph, on June 19, 1954, at St. Joseph Catholic Church.  The newlyweds traveled to Niagara Falls for their honeymoon.

A woman of faith, Gladys shaped the spirituality of her family by her lifelong Christian example.  In middle school, she learned to play the piano and organ from the nuns at St. Joseph school with the provision that, once proficient, she would play the organ for the 7 a.m. Mass each day before her high school classes.  It was a win-win proposal for mom because she loved music, singing and worshipping the Lord.  Using the talents God gave her at daily Mass was her privilege.  For many years, she was an organist, cantor, and choir member at St. Joe's; and an accompanist for Manistee Catholic Central band students participating in solo and ensemble events.  She accompanied her oldest daughter to win many blue medals in music competitions.  Mom loved, loved, loved Manistee Catholic Central Saber athletics and music events.  She would often come home without her voice, having left it at Saber Stadium or the Saber gymnasium, especially after watching her sons and her youngest daughter play sports there.  And Gladys took great pride serving as the president of the Manistee Catholic Central Home and School League.

Mom loved volunteering in the community alongside her sweetheart, Adolph.  For many years, Mom served as the spiritual director for the Manistee Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization, helping to plan and participate in their various worthwhile causes.  Mom-moo faithfully followed her Detroit Lions, Pistons and her Tigers.  She was employed in Manistee at old Mercy Hospital, Consumers Power Company and State Farm Insurance Company.

Mom-moo was proud of and loved spending time with her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She loved her nieces and nephews and enjoyed any opportunity to visit and talk with them.

According to Mom's wishes, cremation has taken place and a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Divine Mercy Parish (St. Joseph Catholic Church) in Manistee on March 19, 2022, at noon, with Reverend Zeljko Guberovic as celebrant.  Burial will follow in Mount Carmel Cemetery in Manistee.

Our family will receive friends at the church on Saturday, one hour prior to the funeral Mass.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Disabled American Veterans: visit www.dav.org or call 1-855-619-HERO (4376) for more information.

The Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee is in charge of the funeral arrangements.