Christopher Brian Kruzan (Chris), beloved husband, brother, nephew, uncle, cousin and friend, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2025, at the age of sixty-five. Born on January 19, 1960, to Hubert and Darlene Kruzan, Chris joined the family as the middle child alongside an older sister Christina and later a younger sister, Karen.
Chris grew up in Merrillville, Indiana, where he attended Merrillville High School. Chris was a member of the concert and marching bands, expertly displaying his passion for playing the drums. He later graduated from Purdue University Calumet with a double degree in Management and Human Resources.
Chris started his career placing attorneys with prominent law firms in Chicago. He then moved over to the automobile industry, working for many years at Bosak Honda dealership in Highland Indiana, where he was often the top salesperson. While there, he was lovingly nicknamed "Julie," referencing the cruise director on The Love Boat, for his love of setting up fun activities for his co-workers to participate in.
In 1997, Chris married the love of his life, Susan, and a year later they moved to Nashville, Tennessee. Chris began working at Job News managing a team focused on advertising open positions within the Nashville Job Market.
In 2005, Chris suffered a debilitating stroke. Although hampering him physically and impacting his ability to work, it did not diminish his love for life. His last twenty years were full of love and laughter with family and friends. Chris loved to travel with Susan, as her consulting career brought them to cities all around the United States. From New York City to watch the stage performance of 'Rocky,' to gorging on Cajun cuisine in New Orleans, to attending the taping of the Jay Leno show in L.A., to riding a train along the Pacific Northwest, he lived life to the best of his abilities. He also loved to visit family and friends, or to have them visit him in Florida. Chris enjoyed dining out, and also loved attending festivals and art shows, and shopping - though he always accused Susan of spending too much money.
He is survived by his loving family, wife Susan, uncle Dennis Chelsey, brother-in-law Bob Nuss (Jean), nieces Katie Nuss Sanchez (Pablo), Jessie Nuss (Andrew Ledman), grandnephews Quentin and Robert, cousins Joseph Kruzan (Lindsay), Nancy Repay (Karl), and many cherished friends, along with his faithful Italian Greyhound companion, Cupid. Christopher will be remembered for his kindness, the ability to make others laugh, and the lasting impact he made on all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Visitation and a memorial service will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025 at Jackson Funeral Service of De Motte, 200 3rd St. SW, De Motte, Indiana, with visitation from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and a memorial service beginning at 11:00 a.m. Chris will be interred at the Holland Cemetery immediately following the service. All who wish to celebrate Chris' life and legacy are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Chris' honor to The American Stroke Foundation https://americanstroke.org, an organization dedicated to helping stroke survivors and their caregivers improve their overall quality of life. Or honor his favorite pastime of eating out by going to your favorite restaurant and raising a glass in his name.
Christopher Brian Kruzan's memory will live on in the hearts of those he touched. May he rest in peace, surrounded by the love he so freely gave.
