John Ferdinand Kruzan MUNSTER, IN - John Ferdinand Kruzan, of Munster, IN passed away quietly at home Sunday evening, September 10, 2017, just four days before his 75th birthday. Raised in East Chicago, IN by a family devoted to scouting, John, like his brothers, nephew and great nephew, was an Eagle Scout. A teacher of English and humanities at Thornton Fractional North High School in Calumet City, IL, John travelled extensively in Europe, the Orient, the Middle East, and, most frequently, his beloved Mexico where he made many lasting friendships. His many friends, along with neighbors and colleagues, were the recipients of his warmth, wit, hospitality and culinary skills, particularly at the large Labor Day parties he held for the past three and a half decades. John was preceded in death by his parents, Hubert and Olive (nee Flack) and by his brothers, Joseph and Hubert Jr. He is survived by his loving husband, Lee Kingsmill; his nephews, Joseph Jr. (Lindsay), Christopher (Susan); and his niece, Nancy (Karl) Repay. He is also survived by his great-nephews and nieces, and by his brother-in-law, Steve (Johnnie) Kingsmill. His lasting legacy is in the hundreds of fond students whose lives he touched, leading them on overseas trips and explorations of Chicago in all its cultural diversity. John shared with them his view of the world as a place of wonder and opportunity. A Memorial, followed by a luncheon, will be held at Andorra Banquet Hall 1112 Rt. 41 in Schererville, IN (219-865-1230) at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, September 24,2017. In lieu of flowers or charitable donations, just stop smoking now. www.kishfuneralhome.net

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Published by The Times on Sep. 15, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for John Kruzan

14 Entries

Mary Gemmato

September 14, 2018

Lee,
I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. He will always live in your heart forever.

Laurane Carnevale

October 9, 2017

I met John at the beginning of the last decade of his life.
Clearly he enriched many lives over the course of the years. Although I only fleetingly enjoyed his company, I am nonetheless a fortunate recipient of his generosity, creativity, wit, and above all, compassion.

Lee, it thrilled me that you and John invited me into your rich world. Through you I saw devotion up close, a priceless gift.
I shall always treasure the memory of your wedding, the most moving exchange of vows I have ever beheld.

How lucky I am that I did not miss out on John Kruzan, a remarkable man whose exemplary life is an inspiration.

My deepest condolences to you, dear Lee.
Love,
Laurane

September 21, 2017

My sincerest condolences to the family.

May the God of all comfort grant you peace and strength during this most difficult time.

PD-GA

Sandra Gnippe

September 18, 2017

Dear Lee,
Whenever I think of John I smile. He was wonderful, warm and caring. I remember when he brought his classes to the library how they responded. They loved and respected him as did Marilyn and I. I also looked forward to your Labor Day parties and meeting your other friends. I hope that we will continue to get together.

Gary and Chris Lombardi

September 16, 2017

John will live on in the hearts of many. Lee - you are in our thoughts and hearts, always.

Dave & Josh Ashcroft-Ulanski

September 15, 2017

Reconnecting with John Kruzan these past several years was a joy, as was getting to know Lee and adding him to our circle of friends. We've had the pleasure of spending time with both here locally, as well as the privilege of traveling with them. John, we'll miss you terribly, but we'll be smiling as we miss you because the memories are so darn good. And Lee, remember you have friends just a few minutes away if you need anything.

Patrick & Sally Leach

September 15, 2017

Lee,

We were so sorry to hear of John's passing. Tragically we planned on seeing him Saturday the 15th so we missed saying goodbye to him. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help at this time.

Arlene Kaspik

September 15, 2017

Mr. John Kruzan was a wonderful teacher. He cared about the students in his class and wanted them to realize that the world and their lives were filled with possibilities.

I came from a family that didn't have many educational opportunities. My father never finished high school. He left school to work and help support his family. My mother graduated when, right after a school fire, someone came to her home and gave her a H.S. diploma in her junior year. Mr. Kruzan helped me realize that a college degree WAS a possibility. He encouraged me to participate in activities that helped me qualify for scholarships and financial aid. He was always available to provide support and encouragement.

He used his sense of humor to engage the students in his classes. He used unusual examples in his teaching. I suspect that most of my classmates still think of him when they hear the word "wombat" or come across an odd Japanese movie while channel surfing. When asked "what's a metaphor" we're likely to laugh and respond, "to keep the cows in!"

Thank you, Mr. Kruzan, not only for who you taught us about literature, but also what you taught us about ourselves.

Lee, I am so sorry for your loss. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Chris Zarkovich

September 15, 2017

What a beautiful tribute to a life well lived.
Mr. Kruzan did not just teach his students. He INSPIRED us to explore the world through travel, art and cuisine; to celebrate diversity by exploring other cultures and religions. He was an example of what it meant to live every day and do what you love. His passion for teaching and his own desire of continual learning were apparent in every lesson. I hope it brings his family comfort to know that he influenced so many of us just by being himself.
Heartfelt condolences to all who loved him.

September 15, 2017

What a beautiful tribute to a life well lived.

Mr. Kruzan did not just teach his students. He INSPIRED us to explore the world through travel, art and cuisine; to celebrate diversity by exploring other cultures and religions. He provided an example of what it meant to live every day and to do what you love. His passion for teaching and his own desire of continual learning were apparent in every lesson. I hope it brings his family some comfort to know that he influenced so many of us just by being himself.

Heartfelt condolences to all who loved him.

Chris (Schmidt) Zarkovich
Class of 1990

September 15, 2017

Mr. John Kruzan was an engaging teacher that brought his delightful wit to classes at T.F.N.
Thank you, Mr. Kruzan.
My heart goes out to Lee Kingsmill.
Best wishes.
Renee "Wheeler"

Marjie Weinstein

September 15, 2017

Please accept our deepest sympathy at this time of your loss

Mary Jo Wohlgemuth-Willemsen

September 15, 2017

Dear Lee and Family,
You have seen how much Mr. K meant to so many of us. May you be comforted by the outpouring of love surrounding you. My deepest and heartfelt condolences.

Natalie DeJarlais

September 14, 2017

Lee and family, my deepest sympathies to you on the loss of a remarkable man. This is one of my favorite bible quotes and it reminds me of John's legacy: "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me." Phillipians 4:8-9.
Wishing you peace.

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