Fredrick James Kruizenga

Fredrick “Fritz” James Kruizenga, age 95, passed away peacefully Saturday, November 22, 2025. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Bertha “Bertie” Kruizenga; sisters Carol Fling, Connie (Al) Zipf; sisters-in-law Donna (Larry) Johnson, Georgia Dailey; daughters-in-law Cathy Kruizenga, Cindy Kruizenga; grandchildren Patrick Kruizenga, Nathan (Anna) Kruizenga, Kevin Kruizenga, Kurt (Danielle) Kruizenga, Kyle Kruizenga, Jenny (Scott) Sheppard, Mallory Kruizenga; great-grandchildren Mackenzie (John) Willis, Hailey Kruizenga, Westin Kruizenga, Emersyn Kruizenga, Garett Kruizenga, Toryn Kruizenga, Asher Kruizenga, Lauralyn Waldner, Logan Waldner, Erika Waldner; and several nieces and nephews.

Fritz is also loved and cherished by his second family: Bert’s children Steve Westphal, Cris (Marilyn) Westphal, Cindy (Dennis) Lutz; and grandchildren Justin Westphal, Alanea Westphal, CJ (Danielle) Westphal, Bradley (Amanda) Lutz, David (Casey) Lutz, Branden (Katie) Lutz, Bryan (Emily) Lutz, Benjaman (Bethany) Lutz, Brett (Stephenie) Lutz, Blake (Dunia) Lutz, Elizabeth Lutz, Brennan Lutz, Jacqueline Lutz, Victoria Lutz, Daniel (Elizabeth), Colson (Elizabeth); and 31 great-grandchildren.

Fritz is preceded in death by his first wife of 43 years, LouJean Kruizenga; parents Anthony and Joan Kruizenga; siblings Richard (Dorothy) Kruizenga, Pat (Arvey) Kruizenga; sons Mike Kruizenga, Pat Kruizenga, and Chris Kruizenga.

Fritz had many hobbies which included carpentry, hunting, fishing (which was his favorite), snowmobiling, and spending time with his family. He was a skilled carpenter and would build shelves, breadboxes and other wood-workings. He loved his years at Bear Lake, where he and the family built their cabin and pole barn together. He worked in the furniture industry before working for Steelcase for over 40 years. Fritz also loved cheering on the Detroit Lions, U of M football, Red Wings hockey and Tigers baseball. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy as a reservist. He will be deeply missed.

Per his wishes, cremation has taken place and no services will be held. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Sparrow Hospital and Becky G.; and the staff, doctors and nurses’ aides at Trillium Woods for their care and compassion for Dad. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresbyron.com in Fritz’s online guestbook.