James Allen Kruizenga (71) of Hudson, Wisconsin passed away suddenly on Friday, February 2, 2024. His loss is completely unexpected, and his family is profoundly saddened. A funeral will be held on Saturday, February 24th at 2:30pm at Shepherd of the Valley Church in Afton, MN with a visitation the 2 hours prior. A celebration of life will immediately follow at 7 Vines Vineyard, 101 Highway 96 East, Dellwood, MN 55110.

Jim is survived by his wife Teresa Kruizenga, their five children: Katie Johnson (Michael), Ryan Kruizenga (Laura), Kyle Anfinson (Brielle), Nathan Anfinson (Jenny), Kirsten Kruizenga; as well as 9 grandchildren: Adrian Anfinson, Austin Anfinson, Arthur Anfinson, RJ {Ryan James} Kruizenga, Cameron Kruizenga, William Kruizenga, Wyatt Anfinson, Logan Anfinson, Hailey Anfinson. Jim was preceded in death by his parents.

Jim was born on October 15, 1952 to Eugene Dick Kruizenga and Marie Kruizenga (Meendering) in Delavan, WI before moving with his family to Emerald, WI shortly thereafter.  Jim was a rambunctious middle child growing up on a family farm with his older brother Dwayne (Judy) Kruizenga and three sisters: Carol (Alvin) Heimstra, Mary (Norm) Logterman, and Connie (Tom) Schmit.

Jim was an accomplished outdoorsman. He harvested elk in a dozen western states as well as some trophy black bear, whitetail deer and turkey with his friends and family across Wisconsin. He never favored fishing, but did become a reluctant (and poor) fisherman in his later years.

Jim often boasted that he never had a job. He was an entrepreneur through and through, starting his first company in 1975 and over the years built many businesses. Jim is best known for his role as CEO of Broadway Pizza. During his 34 years with the company, he managed to transform the business from a handful of restaurants in Minneapolis to a beloved Twin Cities staple with more than 17 restaurants throughout the metro area.

Business was Jim’s vocation, but his true love and passion was his family.  He married the love of his life and best friend, Teresa, on March 22, 1991. Jim and Teresa were inseparable through their 33 year adventure and took great pride in fostering a close knit family filled with cherished adventures, traditions and lots of love and laughter. Jim adored his family above all else and beamed with pride as he talked about his children. His happiest moments were spent as “Papa” surrounded by his grandchildren at the “cabin compound” (as Jim would call it), in northern Wisconsin. Those cherished family weekends with his short order cooking, off the cuff jokes, and generous spirit will be greatly missed.

His departure comes as a great shock and a deep wound. It is gravely felt by his entire family and countless others who will miss him greatly. Jim’s warmth and hospitality was a beacon of light in the lives of many. His life was filled with the riches of family, love and legacy. As he used to say on a lazy summer day on Bony Lake: “Not bad for a farm kid from Emerald, Wisconsin.” We agree, not bad at all. We love you Jim and miss you dearly.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson, WI.