Richard Wayne “Dick” Kruzick
Richard Wayne “Dick” Kruzick , 72, was called home on Tuesday, Dec. 10.
Dick was born on Dec. 31, 1946, in Northville, Michigan, to Hubert Paul Kruzick and Marguerite Maxine (Swanson) Kruzick. The family then moved to Winamac, where Dick graduated from Winamac Community High School in 1964. He studied business at Ball State University for one year, followed by a second year at the University of Hawaii.
Dick enlisted in the Unites States Air Force in August of 1966, and married Theresa Jane “Tari” Roth on April 1, 1967, while he was on leave. They were stationed briefly at Chanute Air Force Base (Illinois), followed by Edwards Air Force Base (California), where Dick studied Spanish, hoping to be sent to Spain. Instead, he was deployed to Vietnam, where he served a one-year tour, and then ended his military service at Dover Air Force Base (Delaware), where his son Robert was born. Dick was honorably discharged in August of 1970. He and Tari returned to Indiana, and Dick resumed his studies at Ball State University, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1973. The day after graduation, their daughter Ericka was born.
Dick was an incredibly dedicated and loyal employee, serving Galbreath, Inc. in Winamac for 38 years. He also worked with his brother Kent Kruzick at Bobko Inc., at the Knox and Michigan City locations. Dick loved computer work and was always willing and able to help others with technology.
Dick retired on his 65th birthday in 2011, and he and Tari moved to The Villages, Florida, for a short time, where Dick enjoyed pickleball, golf cart rides and walks with Tari. Dick was diagnosed with Multiple Systems Atrophy (MSA) on Feb. 14, 2013, and he and Tari returned to Winamac. During his courageous battle with MSA, Dick’s God-given calmness and sense of contentment served him well. He enjoyed old movies, bird watching, stories of the grandkids, and visits from his faithful family and friends.
Dick was a huge fan of the Chicago Cubs, enjoying many games with his family and friends over the years at Wrigley Field and from the comfort of his home. One of the greatest nights of his life was watching the Cubs win the World Series Title in 2016.
Dick was extremely proud of his five grandsons, each holding a special place in his heart: Ryan Kruzick of Goshen, a 2017 graduate of the University of Kentucky, and Dylan Kruzick, who attends Northridge High School in Middlebury; Jonah Crist of Winamac, who attends Purdue University Northwest; and Matthew Crist and Martin Crist, who attend Winamac Community High School.
Dick was a member of Bethel Bible Church, and he loved studying Revelations. His favorite Bible verse is “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33 (NAS)
Dick is survived and remembered with love by his wife Tari; son Robert [Kimberly] Kruzick of Michigan; daughter Ericka [John] Crist of Winamac; his beloved grandsons; and his brothers: Larry [Trude] Kruzick of Florida, David [Mary] Kelton of Virginia, Tom [Mary] Kruzick of Florida and Kent [Diane] Kruzick of Winamac; as well as several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Hube and Maxine Kruzick.
In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. Visitation was Sunday, Dec. 15 from 1-3 p.m. at Bethel Bible Church in Winamac. A celebration of life service followed at 3 p.m. Pastor Joe Mollet of Dunes Hospice officiated. The American Legion and VFW provided military honors. Friends visited with the family from 1 p.m. until the time of services.
In Dick’s memory, and in lieu of flowers, please direct any memorial contributions to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.com.
Online condolences may be offered in the guestbook at www.frainmortuary.com.
(Pulaski County Journal — Dec. 18, 2019)