Tribute Wall
Saturday
1
November
Visitation
2:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Saturday, November 1, 2025
Falvo Funeral Home (Webster, NY)
1295 Fairport Nine Mile Pt. Rd.
Webster, New York, United States
Saturday
29
November
Celebration of Life
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Saturday, November 29, 2025
Glendoveers Banquet Facility
2328 Old Browncroft Blvd
Rochester, New York, United States
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Jodi B. posted a condolence
Thursday, November 6, 2025
My hope is that this brings a little smile/laugh - I graduated from RL Thomas in 1988 and all the girls could not wait until 9th grade when we could take Health class with Mr. Kruze. He was the most handsome teacher we would have :). I am not sure how much we learned due to being in a complete daze staring at him for 40mins but at least for the girls, that was one class we never skipped. All the very best to his family.
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Ann Marie Ardilio Brychcy lit a candle
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
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Ann Marie Ardilio Brychcy lit a candle
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
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Always so generous, loved by all students. My deepest sympathies to his family. The ladies always made sue that they were accepted in his class.
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Raffaele Palumbo uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
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I am so thankful that my journey through life includes being a friend to a man of high integrity and true love, compassion and empathy for friends, family and students in his care.
Kindness is never wrong and I will remember him as a friend that loved everything about life. I rejoice in his living while lamenting his passing. We were the fortunate ones.
May the one that brought you to this world be now holding you in their loving arms and welcoming you back.
I will stop and be grateful every time I think of that smiling face and your zest for life. ❤️❤️❤️
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Ashley Cocuzzi uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
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I graduated in 2008, the year Mr. Kruze retired. I remember we all wanted him to be our commencement speaker - he meant so much to our class. He sent us off with the song My Wish by Rascall Flatts.
Songs must have carried a lot of meaning for him. The memory I wanted to share was a lesson from one of his health classes. I remember we were assigned a “song project”. We had to pick a song that meant something to us, play it for the class, and share why it was so meaningful. He played his song for us - Hotel California. I remember him explaining its meaning and how it reminded him of dark times while struggling with addiction after Vietnam. He was full of mentorship and shared his vulnerabilities to stir us in a better direction.
Whats funny is that in the same lesson that was so serious, he also shared funny/reckless things he did in Cali. I’ll never forget - he said they drove to the top of a popular overlook in San Fran, put on his war helmet, strapped binoculars on backwards, and drove down the hill LOL
When thinking about it, he may be the most memorable teacher I’ve ever had. I can recall countless conversations. In class, hallways, after school with sports, xc/track meets, and a few encounters after graduation through the years. RIP to one of the greatest, Mr. Kruze.
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Guy Bonfiglio uploaded photo(s)
Monday, October 27, 2025
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Dan Dirkx posted a condolence
Sunday, October 26, 2025
You always have that one teacher, that made you feel you were the most important and that the world will be yours. Mr Kruze was that for me and many other Webster, NY students. He was the first teacher that I felt believed in me and made me realize I had the potential to do anything I wanted as long as I applied myself.
Mr Kruze is the goat of teachers, he had impeccable style with his hair always perfect. His legacy will live on by everyone he blessed with his time and teachings. The community and more specifically the Webster, NY community is mourning as we lost a legend.
Rest easy Mr Kruze. Your legacy will live on for many generations.
Dan Dirkx (Class of 1997)
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Jim May posted a condolence
Sunday, October 26, 2025
What a beautiful and accurate life testimony Jim's family has written. But more importantly, what a gift Jim
has been - and still will be , in lessons shared. As one of Jim's co-teachers at Webster, I knew he could always be
counted on whether it was a teaching/learning situation, a crisis or a celebration.....count Jim in, rely on Jim,
go ask Jim to help. Hundreds of young people, many now grown with children of their own, are living thoughtful,
productive, meaningful lives because of their inter-action with "Kruzer." It doesn't get much better than that.......
Jim May
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Joan Brandenburg posted a condolence
Sunday, October 26, 2025
The Veterans Outreach Center extends our deepest sympathy in James' passing.
We acknowledge and are truly grateful for his service to our country.
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Judi (Beaney) Dudley posted a condolence
Sunday, October 26, 2025
My deepest condolences go out to the entire Kruze family with the loss of Jimmy…& especially to Skip, Patty & dearest Mary. I’ve known the Kruze family since I was able to walk & talk as I used to spend summers with my Grandma Fry & Uncle Ralph who lived right next door to them. If it wasn’t for them, my summers wouldn’t have been that much fun. I had such a crush on him but I don’t think he ever knew it! One lasting memory I had of Jim was when Uncle Ralph, Jimmy, Jean Berry & I went water skiing from Braddocks (where my uncle kept our boat) to Charlotte with each of us skiing one entire trip! I was afraid to get out of the wake because I didn’t want to crash & burn with Jimmy watching! What a rough ride that was to Charlotte! Jim was close to my Uncle Ralph, who was also a phys. ed. & health teacher @ Brockport & I think he was a great influence on Jimmy who became such a valued teacher in Webster & I know he’s a great loss to those that studied under him & worked with him. I know when Jim meets up with Ralph in Heaven that Ralph will open up his arms to him & say “nice job Kruze” & they’ll both have a great laugh together! Again my condolences are to his family & may God Bless each & every one of them & may God Bless Jimmy…you are missed & always will be. Always, Judi Dudley
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Patti Deshaies uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, October 26, 2025
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Sincere condolences to the Kruze family. It is amazing how Mr Kruze touched so many lives. After all these years, so many students have such wonderful memories of him, which is a great tribute to who he was. He had the most beautiful smile and caring heart❣️
Patti Amalfi (Deshaies)
RLT Class of '73
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Nancy Culp posted a condolence
Sunday, October 26, 2025
First l need to say so Sorry for Your Loss..Patti..Jon..Dylan..and All of Their Families. Such a Great Husband..Father..Friend...Great Amazing Man ..That Will Never Be Forgotten!!! He has Left So Much Behind For Us All to Remember and So Thankful That He Was a Part of Our Lives!!! So Much To Say About Him and So Thankful For Him...The Great Man With Such Great Wisdom and Caring About Every Single Person In His Life!!I Will Miss This Man so Much...But He Will Be In My Heart Forever!!Prayers For This Beautiful Family...and Dear Patti We Are Always Here For Whatever You Need!!!I Love You Kruzer,Larry,My Friend...Forever!!!Fly High On Your Heavenly Harley...Till We Meet Again..Love and Hugs ..Nancy❤️❤️
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Janice Smith posted a condolence
Sunday, October 26, 2025
Mr Kruze came to support several of my girl teams that I played on even though he didn’t coach those. Such a great supporter! And a sharp memory- whenever I would substitute at WSHS later on, he would remember me! Thanks to his family for sharing him with students and staff, for so many years
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Sally (Schneider) Altobello posted a condolence
Sunday, October 26, 2025
Mr. Kruze was my health teacher in 1971, my senior year. Yeah, everyone liked him--all the girls were in love with him because he was so darn handsome!. That blond hair, the tanned skin, the look of a California surfer. Yeah, he was made for fantasies!! My condolences, Kruze family, for your great loss. May his angel wings enwrap you all in peace, comfort, and love.
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Linda Shetler posted a condolence
Sunday, October 26, 2025
I knew Jim from Churchville High -go Saints. I would have graduated with Jim but held back. But to his sister Mary who I knew more I'm truly sorry for your lost. The Kruze family were wonderful people such a big lost for the world.
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Mary Ellen (Lynch) Stocks posted a condolence
Sunday, October 26, 2025
Remembering Jim from my growing up years in Churchville. Sending condolences to the family. It seemed like there was always something going on at the Kruzes.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary Ellen (Lynch) Stocks
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Tom Birdsall posted a condolence
Sunday, October 26, 2025
What a wonderful obituary!! Mr Kruze was a big part of my school life. I have often thought of Kruzer over the past 40+years since we walked the halls together.
Rest in peace my friend. See you on the other side.
Tom (Boz) Birdsall
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Tina lit a candle
Sunday, October 26, 2025
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Prayers & thoughts to all his family
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scott peters posted a condolence
Friday, October 24, 2025
Mr Kruze was always a voice to listen to. He was always kind and had such a giving Personality. I had him for a track coach and teacher and he took time with not just me but everyone around him. He will be truly missed by so many people. RIP Kruzer.
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Brian Bohannon posted a condolence
Thursday, October 23, 2025
What can I say about Mr. Kruze? Where do I begin? Behind only my father, and possibly Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mr. Kruze has had the most profound influence on my life.
Mr. Kruze was my health teacher in the early '80s. Funny, relentlessly positive, happy, healthy, highly tanned and highly unorthodox, he showed me how much fun a class could be. He showed me how to be a health teacher ... So, I became one.
I student taught with Mr. Kruze in 1990. I CHOSE him. It HAD to be him. And fortunately, he accepted me into his classroom. He would be the blueprint for how I taught Health at Sodus Junior-Senior High School for 30 years. I am not ashamed to say I copied and modeled Mr. Kruze my whole career. I wanted to be different, like him. I wanted to be funny, like him. I wanted to entertain, like him. I wanted my students to say, "This class is so much fun." Kruze did that for us.
I wrote a book in 2024 called; LIFE WILL TEACH YOU: LESSONS FOR TEENS AND THEIR PARENTS ON LIFE, DEATH, HEALTH, LOVE, AND LOSS. Subtitled "Confessions of a High School Health Teacher, Widower, and Girl Dad on Everything Young People Need to Know About Life," Mr. Kruze probably taught me one-third of what is in that book. Lessons on the human experience ... life, death, and everything in between, and a road less traveled pathway to mental health and personal growth. I was a happy kid, who was a happier teenager and happier man because of him.
He is in my book numerous times, so I leave you with a passage from it, straight out of the world according to Kruzer.
“ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS LISTEN”
This helping strategy was demonstrated to me by my favorite teacher in high school. His name was Mr. Kruze, Jim Kruze, and I had him right around the time that Tom Cruise was becoming a household name in movies like The Outsiders and Risky Business.
OUR Kruze was my HEALTH TEACHER, a freewheeling, unorthodox, funny, and insightful teacher who would be the model for my style as a high school health teacher my whole career. Dead Poets Society planted the seed for me to be a teacher. Mr. Kruze made it a reality.
I still remember he had a funny poster in his room that said: “Go to HEALTH” — as opposed to that other infernal place people tell you to go to. Ever since then, because of him, I’ve tried to move much closer to health than Hell.
To live my life in a positive way ... To live it his way.
He was different. He was fun. He told a lot of personal stories that made everyone pay attention and laugh.
I can’t remember all the stories, but I vividly remember the laughs.
They say about teachers, you won’t remember a lot of what they taught, but you’ll remember how they made you FEEL. Surveys of students show the #1 thing they want in a teacher is to know THEY CARE ABOUT YOU. With Mr. Kruze, you never had a doubt. We felt acknowledged and accepted in his class, no better or worse than anyone else, and we always knew he cared. Every day I taught, I tried to remember that lesson ... Treat everyone the same. Care about everyone ...
He showed me the way.
One of my former students recently wrote on Facebook, “He cared about us kids, and you could tell that he genuinely wanted us to have the knowledge and skills to be able to go out in the real world and be safe." She nailed it … the whole purpose of this book. The whole purpose of teaching. She was talking about me, but she could have been talking about Mr. Kruze, because he alone passed that down to me.
My last year of college, 1990, I’d student teach with Mr. Kruze before going out on my own teaching health for the next 30 years. One day, during a period when we didn’t have a class, I was working on my lesson planning at his desk. A distraught female teacher came into the room crying and visibly upset. She sat down with Mr. Kruze and they talked — the WHOLE period. FORTY minutes straight. By the end of the period, she stopped crying, felt much better, hugged him, and thanked him as she left.
After she walked out, I remember telling Mr. Kruze that I didn’t think I could do that — to do what he just did. I didn’t even know HOW he did it, so I asked him, “How DID you do that? Without any hesitation, he said, so matter-of-factly, what HE had learned that I hadn’t yet. He said: “Brian — ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS LISTEN.”
LISTEN … Can it be that simple?
In the movie Hitch, Will Smith says it is. His very first basic principle for dating a woman was “LISTEN and RESPOND.”
To help the hurting, listen and respond, without judgment — and you can EASE someone’s pain. That’s what I learned from Mr. Kruze, Hitch … and Larry King.
“I remind myself every morning: Nothing I say this day will teach me anything. So, if I’m going to learn, I must do it by LISTENING.” - Larry King, Author/Radio Host/TV Host
Thank you for listening to all of us, Mr. Kruze. We are ALL better for it, and we will forever pay it forward.
Because of you, we already have.
Brian Bohannon
Former Student
Former Protege
Retired HS Health Teacher, Sodus HS
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Scott posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
"Treating people as if they were the most important person in the world". That's exactly how he made you feel. I was walking through Thomas HS last fall with my son, who was then a freshman, when I came upon room 86. Health class! I wrote on the white board "Kruze Rules!" and sent the pic to his wife Patti. It was 41 years since I left his class for the last time in 1983 and the great memories of this man were still vivid, as if it was just yesterday. Thank you Mr. Kruze for all your kindness and guidance. Not only were you a great teacher but a great employer as well. Spinning records in the booth at Scoundrels was a highlight post-high school. Thank you for all you did for so many....You will be greatly missed...
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Susan (Gallery) Kavanagh posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Jimmy Kruze...class of '65.....blonde..handsome...constant smile and of course tanned! This is how I remember my fellow
classmate. He was kind to everyone whether he knew you in his classes or just in the hall going from one class to another.
I recently read something that reminded me of Jimmy .
People will forget what you said
People will forget what you did
But people will never forget how you made them feel. By Maya Angelou
Every once in awhile, an angel comes down from heaven and they just might have blonde hair, a quick smile, tanned
skin and of course they are very kind to all they meet.
Rest in peace , Jimmy
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Jen Teeter posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
My favorite memory of you was my first Friday "service" after starting at Schroeder. After being asked twice if I wanted a beverage, the third time he bellowed, "Jesus Teeter, I'm not trying to take you home, you just look thirsty!" Absolutely mortified at me health teacher( now colleague) but i quickly new I had passed initiation. The lights are a little dimmer at WSHS. We will carry your light with us.
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Annie Majoka lit a candle
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
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Mr. Kruze, you will be missed dearly. You were a light of support and guidance as my teacher. I still remember your lessons and words of wisdom... I loved doing the letter to our future selves- thank you for everything. Rest in eternal peace. Keeping your family in my prayers.
Your loving student, Q. Annie Majoka
Webster Schroeder HS Class of 2004
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Sue Slate posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
James Edward Kruse, or referred to as Jim/Jimmy by your Churchville-Chili High School classmates.
Jim, you were a fun-loving prankster but, never a mean-spirited mischief-maker. Personally, I found this to be one of your more endearing qualities.
Plus, I am glad we got pulled off a joint prank in chemistry class when we put our hot Bunson Burner stand into the drawer we shared and topped the Burner Stand with our lab aprons.
We weren’t trying to burn the school down; however, our big stink created a lot of toxic fumes. Mr. Grant made a big stink when he had to empty the classroom and use the fire extinguisher.
Still, I would put down money that being a bit of a practical classroom joker helped you with classroom management and the ability to read the needs of all those kids you taught and coached over the years.
Bottom line, Jim, you’ve left endless positive concentric circles in the myriad ways you have touched so many lives. Thank you for helping to elevate the human condition with your efforts.
Sue Slate
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Doc (Patrick) Kavanagh posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
I lived just down the street from Jimmy in the 1950s. He was my hero, my role model, and my friend. How I admired all that he did. He was definitely the coolest person I had ever met! As an awkward teen, I was embarrassed to dance at the Legion Dances. But when I saw Jimmy dance (he was so cool!), and saw the response he got from the girls, that gave all the guys "permission". He was definitely a leader in every sense of the word! I remember those days fondly. Rest in peace, my friend!
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Tom and Lynn Milliman posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Tom and I met Jim through our son, TJ. We feel very fortunate to have gotten to know this incredible man and to have been recipients of his kindness and generosity. Our deepest condolences to his family and friends. As the Irish blessing says, “Death leaves a hole, No one can fill. Love leaves a memory, No one can steal.” The world is a better place because of the life that Jim lived. We are better because Jim was in our lives.
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Mike Cinanni lit a candle
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
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Mr. Cruze was always honest and encouraging with us. In 2004 he ran the skateboard club. When it felt like all of the adults hated us, he made sure we had a place to be safe. I'm grateful to have known him.
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Eileen Connelly posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Jim was a wonderful colleague. His relentless optimism and service to our school and students provided all of us with a role model we might not have known we needed. Jim was able to work with every kid even those that other people gave up on. Jim never did. In the past few years, no matter how much he was struggling, he always took time to ask, “ How are you doing?” and you knew he genuinely meant it. I pray that he has found the peace that he so richly deserved.
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The Mustafa Family posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
I met Mr Kruze more than 20 years ago. He always had a smile and a warm handshake. Students all said hello and there was no doubt that he loved being amongst students and their parents. While I am sure his family, friends, students and the community will miss him, I know he has left an incredible legacy behind. God Speed, Mr Kruze, we'll miss you.
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William Kerber posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
My sincere condolences to you all. Kruzer was a special man and made everyone feel like they were special. It was great to see him continue to grace the sidelines at football games and his dedication to all of us was unmatched by any other teacher.
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Cathy Miles Slocum posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
I was one of his students in health class at R.L. Thomas. It was the 74-75 school year. He was a great teacher and was always there for any student. Always engaged with the students. I saw him many years later when he was there for his best friend Bob. I called him Mr. Kruse and he said I could now call him Jim. We both laugh when I did. My condolences to his family. He was truly remarkable.
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Donna Wilcox Edgerton posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
My memories of Jimmy Kruze date back over 60 years. I was one of many elementary girls who had a crush on him from day one. Blond hair, blue eyes, tanned, with a killer smile, and gentlemanly manners. he left a lifetime impression on me. And from what I read in his obituary, his good works and kindness continued throughout his life. Kudos to his late parents, Helen and Leo, for raising such a respected and well loved soul. May he find peace and refreshment in Eternal life.
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Jean Maher lit a candle
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
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Sending my deepest condolences to Kruzers family. I hope memories can bring you all some comfort during this difficult time.
Webster Schroeder has lost a true warrior, he did so many things for so many people. I can picture him installing our home run fence on the softball field or going out to throw the pitch for our annual softball Kruzer night or hanging up the senior banners perfectly on the backstop. He was a great friend and so wise, told the best stories and gave sound advice. He will be missed by everyone at Schroeder and I will think of him whenever I am tired or complaining, his memory will motivate me to always keep pushing no matter what. I feel honored to have called Kruzer my friend.
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Judy Ingutti posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Jim was a giant in life depicting what we want our future generations to emulate. Countless acts of kindness, superior work ethic and caring about others before himself puts him in an elite class all by himself. He will be missed by all of us who had the privilege of knowing him. He delivered a master class of love and service to others. Condolences to Patti and family. Jim is a Schroeder warrior forever….. rest in peace Kruzer. You are loved by too many to count.
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James Klein posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Mr. Kruze (aka Kruzer) was my health teacher when I was R.L. Thomas High School in the early 90's. The man was a class act, very inspiring and such a kind soul while being down to Earth and honest with his students. He always had time to speak to students one on one, making each of us feel special. He was always there for us and had our backs. Hearing of his passing caused me pause and reflection on what a great man he was and how he shaped me and other students to be better human beings. I can still hear his voice tell us after class to "stay safe and sober". Condolences to his family but also to all his former students who are personally mourning his passing. Thank you Mr. Kruze.
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John Stewart posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
I could take up a full page trying to express on the wonderful That jim did Over the many years that I knew him He became a great friend to my late father.
Always hope to my mother.
And was a great neighbor Is for my friendship with him?I'm sure it made me a better person.Rest in peace brother
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Jo-Al Lettau lit a candle
Monday, October 20, 2025
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May this candle burn eternally in memory of James “Kruzer” Kruze.
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Jo-Al Lettau posted a condolence
Monday, October 20, 2025
Patti, Jon, and Dylan,
We are so saddened to learn about Jim passing. Although we only met him a few times, it feels like we knew him well as Patti always talked about him.
We are here for all of you. May Jim finally be in peace.
With Love,
Dave & Jo-Al Letau
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The family of James Edward Kruze uploaded a photo
Friday, October 17, 2025
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Rochester Location
1395 North Goodman St
Rochester, NY 14609
Phone: 585-872-1010
Fax: 585-467-2457
Webster Location
1295 Fairport Nine Mile Point Rd. Webster, NY 14580
Phone: 585-872-1010
Fax: 585-467-2457