1. Stan Kowalski enrolled at the University of Minnesota after the war.
13 Facts About Stan Kowalski
1. 2.
Stan Kowalski joined the wrestling team, where he met local promoter Joe Pazandak, the University's unofficial assistant wrestling coach.
3.
Stan Kowalski turned down a chance to play football for the Green Bay Packers in 1950.
4.
Stan Kowalski turned to professional wrestling, debuting as Buddy Marco for a NWA promotion run by Tony Stecher.
5.
Stan Kowalski traveled to Los Angeles, where he trained with Sandor Szabo.
6.
In 1955, promoter Jack Pfefer changed his ring name to Krusher Stan Kowalski; Stan Kowalski was a family name.
7.
Stan Kowalski later formed a tag team with Canadian wrestler Tiny Mills as Murder Incorporated.
8.
When that promotion became the American Wrestling Association in 1960, Mills and Stan Kowalski became the first AWA World Tag Team Champions.
9.
Stan Kowalski resided in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he was active in charities, fundraisers, and speaking engagements.
10.
Stan Kowalski volunteered with the United Way and helped homeless veterans.
11.
Stan Kowalski was married to his wife Cleo since 1961 and had two children, a son Scott Smith, and daughter Stacy Smith.
12.
Stan Kowalski lost part of his colon due to cancer in 2006.
13.
Stan Kowalski received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Improved Order of Red Men in 2016.