Francis J. "Frank" Kruszka, age 84 of Colon, died Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020 at his home. He was born in Bronson, MI on March 15, 1936 the son of Frank and Rose (Wotta) Kruszka. He graduated from Bronson High School in 1954. He went on to Western Michigan University on a baseball scholarship where he was a pitcher that won the NCAA Championship 3 out of 4 years. He married the love of his life, Samantha E. DeVor on Feb. 9, 1957 in Kalamazoo. Frank was a Probation Officer in Calhoun County for 10 years. He was the coordinator for Regions 2 and 3 for the Office of Criminal Justice Planning for 13 years, and taught criminal justice for Jackson College. Frank served on the Colon School Board for a decade. He was a Scoutmaster for Troop 104, and served as F.O.P. President. He was a successful baseball coach at all levels of competition, earning the respect of players and fellow coaches.

Frank is survive by 3 sons, Mike Kruszka of Colon, Ken (Vicky) Kruszka of Sherwood, and Dave (Ericka) Kruszka of Colon; daughter, Becky (Kim) Cupp of Mendon; 6 grandchildren, Frank (Amber) Kruszka, Jamie (Sarah) Kruszka, Alecia (Kurtis Schwartz) Kruszka, Jacob Kruszka, Gabriel Kruszka, and Whitney German; 7 great-grandchildren, Alice, Hope, Flynn, Scarlet, Gianna, Kennedy, and Ava; loved ones, Dalton Williams and his father, Charles Williams; sister, Virginia Smoker;and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Samantha; and great-grandson, Layne; brother, Roman J. Kruszka; step brothers, Stanley, Alvin, and Frank Barkowski.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 pm Thursday at the Eickhoff Funeral Home in Mendon, and where the Rosary will be recited at 7 pm. The funeral mass for Frank Kruszka will be 11 am Friday, Nov. 6, 2020 at St. Edward Catholic Church in Mendon with Msgr. Thomas Martin officiating. Cremation will follow and an interment of cremains will be 1 pm Monday, Nov. 16, 2020 in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Bronson. The family suggests that memorial contributions be directed to Three Rivers Health Hospice. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com