Richard M. Kruzan

Richard Manford Kruzan, age 90, of St. John, IN, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2021. Born in East Chicago on August 13, 1930, he married Dolores Schumacher of Hammond on May 16, 1959. A graduate of Crown Point High School, he served his country honorably in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, worked at Standard Oil in Whiting and then Inland Steel for 35 years. While proud to advance through his years there from the docks to a management position in the Transportation department, he made it his life’s mission for both his children to graduate college and earn advanced degrees. Dick enjoyed life – travelling every summer across the country, landscaping his yard, creatively fixing just about anything at his tool bench, betting on NASCAR races with his son, and attending every daycare, school and sporting event to support his two grandchildren throughout their childhoods. In his later years, he enjoyed armchair quarterbacking the Chicago Bears, being published in the Times and Chicago Tribune, being an advocate for the development of the Greens of Scherwood community and winning nickels from his friends at Park Place. He frequently called his wife, Dolores, “an incredible woman who really takes care of me.” Survivors include his wife, of 62 years, Dolores, son Mark (Sherry) of Bloomington, daughter Karen (Steve) Schuelka of Crown Point, and grandchildren Sterk and Kira Schuelka. He was preceded in death by his brother, James and parents, Lester and Esther. Per his wishes, there will be no public memorial. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Chapel Lawn Funeral Home in Crown Point, IN. Interment will take place there at a later date. Please leave kind words and shared memories below on Dick’s special page.