Thomas Edwin Kruse

Thomas Edwin Kruse, 66, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, formerly of Napoleon, Ohio died unexpectedly on Sunday, September 4th at his residence. Tom was born in Napoleon, Ohio, on July 22, 1956, to Edwin and Carolina (Von Seggern) Kruse. He 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. He 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. He is also survived by siblings, Vernie (Jon) Miller, Lori (Brian) Bickel;sister-in-law, Karen Kruse; brother-in-law, John (Alice) Schwiebert; and Aunt Marian (Pyzyna) Swock who was 96 years old. She was born in Chicago and currently lives in Arizona. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews, whom he loved dearly, and many friends, near and far. 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. He loved to dance and 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. Keeping with Tom’s giving nature he was proud to be an organ donor to help others. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, September 15th at St. John Lutheran Church Freedom Twp. Interment will follow at the church cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 2-8 p.m. at Rodenberger-Gray Funeral Home and Thursday from 1-2 p.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to St. John Lutheran Cemetery Fund or a charity of the donor’s choice.

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Thomas Edwin Kruse

July 22, 1956 - September 4, 2022