Clarence Alfred Kubitski Sr., 86, of Crystal Falls, Mich. passed away peacefully Wednesday, April 29, 2009, at his home. Clarence (Butch) Kubitski was born July 30, 1922, in Wayne, Mich. son of the late Walter and Mary (Brown) Kubitski. He was employed most of his life in foundaries and factories in Detroit, Mich. and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was a veteran of World War II having served in the U.S. Army after being drafted at age 18. His combat duties started in Sicily and the mainland of Italy. His unit advanced to Southern France where they encountered brutal resistance from the German Army. At the time in Southern France his rank was S/Sgt. and squad leader with six to nine survivors. The unit received three replacements to watch and protect the Rhine River before crossing and invading German soil. After crossing the Rhine River the unit occupied German soil. Then Christmas day 1944 in the Black Forest on night maneuvers he was wounded by machine gun fire in the back and wrist. He received the honor of a Purple Heart. He recovered from his wounds and advanced further on front lines to occupy the blown out castle which Hitler hid and occupied most of the time. Most believe Hitler was dead at that time. His final combat advancement ended in Berlin meeting the Russians from other fronts and finding the German Army had agreed to a formal surrender. After a short furlow he was ordered to go to Japan. Foutunately two atom bombs were dropped and forced Japan to surrender and end WW II. He received numerous medals and honors before and after his discharge. He returned to Wayne, Mich. to meet his loving wife Mary and married on December 20, 1946, for 63 years. They moved to St. Francis, Wis. where they resided most of their married life. Clarence loved fishing including ice fishing, hunting rabbits and deer. His other interests were playing cards, listening to Johnny Cash and gambling. He will be deeply missed by his son Clarence and daughter-in-law Julie and all family members, other relatives and friends. Biography prepared by Clarence and Julie Kubitski. Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Clarence Jr. and Julie (Mahowski) Kubitski , Crystal Falls; one daughter, Geraldine (Gerald) Wolf, Mukwonogo, Wis.; two grandchildren, Tina and Dawn Wolf; and two great-grandchildren, Amber and Noah. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Mary (Pintarelli) Kubitski on Feb. 19, 2009, two brothers, Henry and Leonard Kubitski, and two sisters, Mildred Smith and Virginia Basnaw. Friends may light a candle in remembrance and leave condolences online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com The Jacobs - Plowe Funeral Home, Crystal Falls, is serving the family. Visitation will be 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m. Monday, May 11, 2009, at Jacobs-Plowe Funeral Home, Crystal Falls. Funeral service 2:00 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. A dual burial of both Mary and Clarence will take place at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, Crystal Falls. Military honors for Clarence will be conducted at that time by the East Side Veterans Council.