Reggie "The Crusher" Lisowski: Hero to South Milwaukee Rises Up

The verdict is in: Crusherfest was an enormous success. Few could be happier than the staff at Molthen-Bell, who took a special interest the memorialization of a local legend.

Molthen-Bell handled the funeral of the iconic wrestler back in 2005. For senior staffers John Klein, Corey Stephens and Jeff Bell, it had a galvanizing effect. They grew up in awe of the Crusher, what he represented, and his antics in and out of the ring.

Lisowski died of a brain tumour at the age of 79.

 [Read the Washington Post's Obituary: Reggie "The Crusher" Lisowski Dies ]

Organizers and city officials anticipated approximately 5,000 people to join in the celebration of "The Wrestler Who Made Milwaukee Famous."

Updated estimates put the crowd at over 12,000, many of whom were on hand for the highly publicized unveiling and street festival dubbed Crusherfest.

As a gesture of community and good will, Molthen-Bell staff handed out 4,000 boxes of complimentary popcorn during the two-day event.

"The ceremony was touching and beautiful," John Klein, general manager of Molthen-Bell, said. "Many expressed thanks to Molthen-Bell in their speeches during the presentation, and that made us feel incredible."

Last year, Molthen-Bell & Son Funeral Home pledged $10,000 to the statue initiative, which was conceived and championed by Chris Smith, a local lawyer. Smith's website, dacrusher.org , and his GoFundMe page continue to raise awareness.

"Members of the Lisowski family approached Corey and me several times," Klein said. "They thanked us and shared how they remember everything we did for them for both of their parents' funerals."

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