Daniel P. Kruzel

1939 - 2026

Daniel P. Kruzel

April 3, 1939 - January 11, 2026

Daniel P. Kruzel, age 86, of Point Place, passed away peacefully at home on January 11, 2026. Born on April 3, 1939, in Toledo, Ohio, to Joseph and Loretta (Lewandowski) Kruzel, Dan grew up with a strong work ethic, a deep love for family, and a steadiness that would define his entire life.

After graduating from Macomber High School in 1957, Dan married the love of his life, Phylis Gaffney, in 1958 at St. Joseph Church in Erie, Michigan. Together they built a home filled with laughter, faith, and the joyful chaos of raising four boys. Dan was never happier than when he was coaching them, cheering for them, or simply being present in the everyday moments.

In the early 1970s, Dan became a familiar face on the ballfields as a 4th Ward Oldtimers baseball coach, and later as a CYO coach at St. Anne and Gesu Catholic Churches. His dedication to the kids he coached - and the values he taught them - earned him the honor of CYO Man of the Year in 1972, a recognition that meant the world to him.

Dan spent 42 years as a Bench Carpenter for Allen A. Smith and Adam Wholesalers, taking pride in craftsmanship that was as solid and dependable as he was. After retiring, he found a second home at Central Catholic High School, serving as the Athletics Facility Coordinator. He also devoted two decades to the Bayview Retiree Golf Course as a volunteer, a role that blended his love of people with his love of the game.

Above all, Dan was a devoted husband, a proud father, and a deeply engaged grandfather and great-grandfather. He rarely missed a game, or a chance to show up for the people he loved. Whether he was sitting in the bleachers, standing on a sideline, or watching from home, he celebrated every milestone with genuine joy. When he wasn't golfing at Bayview or following his grandchildren's activities, he could be found cheering on The Ohio State Buckeyes, the Detroit Tigers, or the Los Angeles Angels.

Dan is survived by his sons, Martin (Julie), Mark (Kelly), Michael (Julie), and Joseph (Amy); his sister, Suzanne (John) Lackner; grandchildren, Christopher (Anna) Kruzel, Nicholas (JoLynn) Kruzel, Kristina (Eric) Sowinski, Benjamin Kruzel, Kimberly (Robert) Kahle, A.J. (Rachel) Kruzel, Matthew Kruzel, Daniel (Sarah) Kruzel, Michaela (Jedediah) Caldwell, Joshua Kruzel, Jaime (Maurice) Kruzel, Abigail (Drew) Huffman; and great-grandchildren, Joci Werth, Megan, Brooke, Erin and Lauren Kruzel, Collin, Max, and Kenzie Sowinski, C.J.and Jane Kruzel, Grantly Kruzel, and Alyssa Kahle. He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife of 64 years, Phylis; his brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Frances Kruzel; and his brother-in-law and sister, Arthur and Bernice Jaworski.

Daniel's Life Celebration will be held on Thursday, January 22, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., with the Rosary prayed at 7 p.m., at Urbanski Funeral Home, a Life Celebration Home, 5055 Secor Road, Toledo, Ohio. Visitation will continue Friday, January 23, at 1 p.m., at Gesu Catholic Church, 2049 Parkside Boulevard, Toledo, Ohio, where the Funeral Mass will begin at 2 p.m., with Fr. Marty Lukas officiating. Interment will be private at St. Ignatius Catholic Cemetery in Oregon, Ohio.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Heartland Hospice for their care and compassion. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

www.urbanskifuneralhome.com