Thomas Edwin Kruse's Obituary
Thomas Edwin Kruse was born in Napoleon, Ohio, on July 22, 1956, to Edwin and Carolina (Von Seggern) Kruse. Tom was the youngest of seven children: Ernie, Darlene, Marietta, Vernie, Lori, Dan, and Tom. As a youth, he worked hard on the family farm in Freedom Township. He often mentioned hoeing beans for five cents a row, and they were long rows! He attended St. John Lutheran School for grades one through eight and was confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church in 1970. He graduated from Napoleon High School in 1974, and still maintained contact with many of his “old” classmates. Tom then attended Northwest Technical College to earn his drafting degree. On August 21, 1976, he married Becky Knipp, whom he met in fifth grade. They just celebrated their 46th anniversary. They have three children: Justin Leo, Katharine Nicole, and Adam Thomas, who died in 2007. Tom and his family moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1980, to pursue his drafting career; he worked for Dresser Engineering for many years. He stayed in the tank industry for his entire career. At the age of 55, he began his own company, TEK Solutions, which has been a very successful business. Tom enjoyed traveling, from Hawaii to Alaska, the Grand Canyon to Florida, and even visiting France and Germany. He attended many Nascar races in Michigan and Texas with his brothers and friends. Chef Tom’s barbeque skills are beyond compare. His Hasty Bake feasts are well known and appreciated from Oklahoma to Ohio and will be missed by many. Tom loved watching his Ohio State Buckeyes defeat their opponents. And he loved to dance; he was an excellent polka dancer. People always remarked about Tom’s quick wit, his sardonic sense of humor, his superb memory, and his willingness to help any friend in need. Becky will sorely miss Tom’s extraordinary foot rubs. Tom and Becky truly enjoyed their leisurely Sunday drives exploring Oklahoma in his shiny red Corvette, Ruby. His beloved nieces and nephews, and their children whom he loved to spoil, will surely miss their Uncle Tommy. He cherished all those kiddos so very much, and he still does. Above all, Tom loved his large family, near and far. Tom will be buried at St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Freedom Township, Napoleon, Ohio, and his heart will be home.
To view the webcasting of Thomas Kruse, funeral service click the link https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/78406
The funeral service will be at 10:00 AM, Friday, September 9, 2022, at Floral Haven Funeral Home Chapel.
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