Thomas F. Crusinberry

Thomas F. Crusinberry, 91, of Sarasota, FL died Aug. 26, 2013. Thomas was born Sept. 1, 1921 in Sioux Falls, SD to Pansy (Hastings) and Clem Crusinberry. After high school, he enrolled in the ROTC program at South Dakota State University. He served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army in World War II, earning a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. After the war he returned to school and graduated with a BS degree in mechanical engineering. He married Kathryn Piaggi and moved to Detroit, MI where he was employed by Ford Tractor Company. He and Marie Iverson were married in 1964. He retired from Ford and helped set up Claas of America in Columbus, IN. He moved to Florida in 1986. Tom enjoyed singing in church choirs and chorus groups including Exultate in Venice, FL. Sports were a favorite activity, especially golf. He was a longtime member of the Kiwanis Club. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother John, his first wife Kathryn, and his son Thomas. Survivors include his beloved wife of 49 years, Marie; daughter Barbara (Jim) Reck of Iowa City, IA; daughter-in-law Susan Crusinberry of Columbus, IN; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Memorial services will be held on Sept. 5 at 2 pm in the Bay Village Auditorium in Sarasota; and on Sept. 24 at 2 pm at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 790 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice. Interment will be at Hills of Rest Memorial Park on Sept. 30 at 11 am in Sioux Falls, SD. Memorial donations may be made to Tidewell Hospice, 5955 Rand Boulevard, Sarasota, FL 34238; or the Music Fund at Emmanuel Lutheran Church.