Christopher J. Crusen

Christopher J. Crusen, age 61, passed away on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL.
Chris was born, in Peoria, on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1963, a son of Donald E. and Joani "Mimi" Needham Crusen. Chris is survived by his siblings, Tom (Helen) Crusen, Dan Crusen, Lyn (Mark) Suits, Jan (Rich) Kreher, and Molly (Doug) Bishop, sisters-in-law, Terri Crusen and Trish Crusen, 25 nieces and nephews, as well as numerous grand nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Donald "Duck" Crusen, Steven Crusen and Dave Crusen and nephew, Joshua Suits.
Chris was a St. Mark's Grade School and Spalding Institute graduate. He went on to graduate from Eastern Illinois University, making his parents very proud to have a college graduate. He worked at LexisNexis for over 34 years, retiring in 2024.
Chris's joy in life was his family. Many people considered him a best friend and his nieces and nephews considered him to be a father-figure. He loved traveling and listening to music in his free time.
Cremation rites have been accorded. Private family services will be held. Celebration of life, where all are welcome to reminisce memories and stories about Chris, will be on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Crusens on War Drive.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Heart of Illinois Down Syndrome Association or Sophia's Kitchen in Peoria, IL.
Tributes and condolences may be left at www.wrightandsalmon.com