Delano"Dee" "Dee" Kruzan

Delano "Dee" Kruzan, 91, of Macomb passed away at 6:01 p.m. Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at Blessing Hospital in Quincy.
He was born on May 12, 1933 in Canton to Jessel E. and Imogene F Myers Kruzan. He spent his childhood in Canton and then moved to Iowa at the age of six, with his family. Soon the family moved to Minnesota, and then back to Canton at the beginning of World War II. He attended Canton schools and graduated from Canton High School in 1951.
In 1953, Delano joined the U.S. Air Force, attended the Army Language School, and then was sent to Germany as a Russian language specialist in the USAF Security Service. Returning to the U.S. in 1957 at WIU in Macomb and graduated with a B.S. of Education in 1960. In that year, he was hired to teach Spanish by the Macomb School District until his retirement in 1993.
On August 20, 1973, Delano married Margaret L. (Mullen) Scott. Reverend Cecil Swindle performed the ceremony at the First Christian Church in Macomb. The couple loved traveling, often on sightseeing or fishing trips in the U.S. and Canada. The two also enjoyed antiquing, always searching for a new treasure.
Delano's many interests included collecting Hudson Automobiles, coins, antique fishing tackle, and Hawaiiana. He always had an affinity for the ukulele and Hawaiian steel guitar and played throughout his life-time. His love for the outdoors led to his making many custom fishing rods and turkey calls. Margaret and Delano made many trips to Mexico and Spain often escorting students.
Dee was a 50 year member of the Macomb American Legion, life member of the Macomb VFW and past president of Macomb Lions Club, a life and endowment member of National Rifle Association and a life member of the National Education Association. He was a charter member of the National Fishing Lure Collectors Club and belonged to the National Wild Turkey Federation.
Dee is survived by his special friend, Lois Lueck of Macomb; brother, Bill (Linda) Kruzan; sister, Linda Timm; cousin, Gary (Pam) Kruzan and other nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents; wife Margaret L. Kruzan; step-daughter, Nancy Lee Scott and siblings, James Kruzan, Donna Collins and Joyce St. Clair
Cremation rites have been accorded. A Memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, December 6, 2024 at Clugston-Tibbitts Funeral Home in Macomb with Reverend Jim Clayton officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services. Full military rites will be conducted at the funeral home following the service by the Macomb American Legion and Macomb VFW. Private burial of ashes will be held at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens in Macomb.
Memorials may be made to the Delano Kruzan Scholarship Fund at WIU Foundation, Humane Society of McDonough County New Animal Shelter or Western Illinois Museum.
You may leave condolences and sign the guest book online at clugston-tibbitts.com.
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