Do You Remember Stan Kowalski?

He was born Bert Smith. He attended North High School. He joined the Navy at the young age of 17. Somewhere along the line he became Stan Kowalski. He became a professional wrestler in 1950. He became known as "Krusher". He was a police officer in the 60's and was an advocate of The United Way organization. He would always be in that tough wrestler voice with Marty O'Neil on Saturdays on Channel 9.

He had a tender side though too. Always was willing to try to help someone with a problem. He fought for POW/MIA's. He was in the VFW.

According to his daughter Stacy Smith, he would do many other closer to home good deeds. She told KSTP that he would disappear for short periods of time around Christmas. Later she found out he was visiting children at local hospitals dressed as Santa Claus and giving gifts to the kids.

He never slowed down as he got older. He passed away Friday at the age of 91. His family is planning a funeral with Full Military Honors and he will be buried next to hi wife that passed away in 2012.

I never knew that the Krusher, 'The Big K' had such a big heart. RIP faithful servant. Sleep Soldier Boy and Rest.