Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Thomas Kruyer Obituary
Thomas E. Kruyer, 66, of Cincinnati, Ohio passed away on December 6, 2016 having suffered from symptoms of chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Tom was born in South Bend, Indiana to George and Frieda Kruyer on December 20, 1949. He attended John Adams High School and graduated from Indiana University. Tom was an All-American athlete in football and wrestling in high school and he played football professionally for 4 years in the CFL, WFL and NFL. He was the proud president and owner of Custom Woodworking and an active member of the Crossroads Church community in Cincinnati. Through Crossroads, Tom participated in GO Cincinnati as well as GO New Orleans, working alongside Habitat for Humanity to rebuild homes after hurricane Katrina. Tom was preceded in death by his mother in 2012 and his father in 2002. Tom is survived by his wife Kelley Kruyer; his children, Matthew Kruyer and his wife Jessica, Anna Kruyer, and Valerie Kruyer; his granddaughter Lillian Kruyer; his brothers, John Kruyer and his wife Sharon, Dick Kruyer and his wife Brenda, and George Patrick Kruyer and his wife Judy. Tom was much admired and well loved. He was remembered on December 23, 2016 at the Catholic Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Atlanta, Georgia.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Kruyer
Sponsored by Clepper Funeral Home - Oakley/Cincinnati.
Ken McDonald
April 6, 2017
I met Tom through a mutual friend in 1970. Until the last time I spoke with him, just weeks before his passing, we shared a lifetime of memories. As others have noted, Tom was indeed a man's man, having spent so many years playing football for IU, CFL and WFL as well as rugby. We lifted, played handball, hunted, lobster dived in the Keys, loved woodworking, and yes, occasionally, found time for a cold one! He simply was one of those people that comes into your life and becomes a part of it through good times and bad. I really miss you old buddy.
Chuck Thomson
February 16, 2017
Like Roger Davidson, I was a classmate and teammate of Tom's at IU. I had been thinking of him, and the rest of the guys, lately and just happened to google his name. The news of his passing came up. I was floored and saddened. Tom was truly a warrior, as tough a man as I have ever known. I was honored to have been able to line up with him. Wish we had had a couple more like him!
Roger Davidson
January 6, 2017
I was truly saddened to hear of Tom's death. I was Tom's roommate for 4 years in college and played with him on the IU football team. Tom was bright, warm, my best friend, and the mentally toughest man I have ever met. I am positive that the world won't be the same without him.
Tom Koehler
January 3, 2017
So sad to hear of Tom's passing. We were best buds during our days at John Adams. While we lost contact with each other after college, I still think back often on all the adventures we shared together and what great care George and Frieda took of us both during those years. He was a really good guy and a great friend.
Rest in peace Tom.
Karen Kamp-Blank
January 3, 2017
To the family of Tom Kruyer, this passing comes as a shock, and I am so very sorry. I graduated from high school with Tom and remember him well for not only his athletic success, but also for his warm and caring nature and great smile! He was a ton of fun. I am so sorry for your loss.
Karen Kamp-Blank
January 3, 2017
To the family of Tom Kruyer, this passing comes as a shock, and I am so very sorry. I graduated from high school with Tom and remember him well for not only his athletic success, but also for his warm and caring nature and great smile! He was a ton of fun. I am so sorry for your loss.
Bill Nelsen
January 2, 2017
Very saddened to hear of Tom's passing. Tom was the genuine article as I recalled from our years at Adams. I'm certain he's in a better place.
Diane Jacoby
January 1, 2017
I'm so very, very sad to read about Tom's passing. I knew him in college and in his twenties. He helped me get through the death of my brother. At some point, what I'll remember is how much fun we had and the day we figured out why we are on this great earth - we are here to use the gifts we are blessed with to the fullest and make this world just a little bit better. From what I know of his life, he lived that ideal.
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
Make a Donation
in Thomas Kruyer's name
Memorial Events
for Thomas Kruyer
Funeral services provided by:
Clepper Funeral Home - Oakley/Cincinnati2961 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45209
How to support Thomas's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Thomas Kruyer's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
