John Casper Kruesi, Sr.

John Casper Kruesi, Sr., peacefully departed at home on December 1, 2023, with his family lovingly by his side. He was 80 years old. Born September 12, 1943, to Julius and Geraldine (Brady) Kruesi, John lived his young life in the Bronx, NY with his brother and sister, along with many aunts, uncles, and cousins nearby. Summers spent at camp or at “Aldaho” in Lake Hopatcong, NJ, brought great joy to John throughout his childhood. At 19, John met Karen, his love of 60 years, at a Tasty Freeze in Staten Island, NY. John dedicated his life to making Karen happy and to being her best friend. They were married for 56 years and shared a life filled with global travels and serene moments on their “Lido Deck” at home. The two became parents when their son, John Jr., was born in 1968. They welcomed their daughter sixteen months later and then the twins almost a year after that. John was a devoted father who prioritized his family. He loved his wife, children, and grandchildren immensely and worked hard to ensure they had the best life imaginable. He always had the perfect advice for any situation at the ready. After retiring from his successful career as a Director at Masters, Mates & Pilots, John went on to have a second career as a Regional Director for Transamerica Real Estate Tax Services, which brought him to his beloved Texas, where he enjoyed many rounds of golf and a trip to the Bryon Nelson Tournament each year. John and Karen moved to Middletown, DE after his second retirement to ensure he could spend as much time as possible with his family. Family always came first in John’s mind. He spent countless hours traveling to events between New York, Maryland, and Virginia to support their interests, special occasions, and ordinary days. In his leisure time, John, a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, enjoyed card games, dominoes, boating, golfing, and downhill skiing. He also enjoyed Irish music, Chick Fila, Taco Bell and making his grandchildren pancakes. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his son, John Jr. and sister, Barbara. He is survived by his loving wife, Karen; children, Kate, Michael, and Thomas; daughters-in-law, Kari and Diane; brother, Arthur; and his adored grandchildren, TJ, Katie Rose, Gavin, Julia, Joey, and Brady as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. A visitation will be held on December 8, 2023, from 5 pm to 7:30 pm at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 275 East Main Street, Middletown, DE. A funeral mass is scheduled for December 9, 2023, at 11 am at St. Joseph Parish, 371 East Main Street, Middletown, DE. Interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to the American Lung Association, National Direct Response, PO Box 756, Osceola, WI 54020-0756 or online by clicking here.

John Casper Kruesi, Sr.

September 12, 1943 - December 1, 2023