Brian "Kruzi" James Krausman, 49, of Des Moines, passed away unexpectedly on February 11, 2022, at his home.
Brian was born on March 13, 1972, to Terry and Aggie (Varnum) Krausman, in Fairbanks, Alaska. He graduated from Ames High School in 1990 where he was voted captain of the football team and Homecoming King. He was a natural athlete and participated in track and basketball, but football was his great love. He was a "walk-on" football player at Iowa State for several years under Coach Walden. While at ISU, he became a member of Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) Fraternity.
Brian volunteered for several years as an assistant football coach at Ames High School. He spent his career working in sales at Taylor Industries, Iowa Beverage Systems and most recently, George White Chevrolet.
Though gone too soon, Brian lived his life to the fullest and was so much fun to be around. He lit up every room and would do anything for anyone. He was quick witted, ornery, and was always ready with a movie or tv quote. As a boy, ALL the girls chased him, everyone wanted him as a friend or teammate, and he was each teacher's pet.
Brian never shied away from a good time with friends and family, whether it was tailgating at Iowa State football games, cheering his beloved Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Cubs, or trips to the Kentucky Derby. He loved to play golf and was known to be a decent shot. He bragged about his mom's cinnamon rolls and ham balls and was never too busy to have a beer with his dad.
Above all else, his WHOLE world revolved around his children. He was immensely proud of Logan Krausman, Josie Krausman, and Noah Smuck. He never stopped talking about them.
Many family members and friends were greeted in Heaven with a big bearhug and a huge smile. Left to cherish Brian's memory are his children, his parents, his sister Kristine (Dirk) Snyder, many aunts, uncles, cousins, and dozens of people who considered him their best friend. Cheers Kruzi, until we meet again!
Visitation will be held March 25 from 4-7:00 pm at Ames Golf and Country Club, 5752 George Washington Carver Ave. A funeral mass will be held on March 26 at Saint Cecilia's Catholic Church, Ames, Iowa. Family will be present at 9:30 am with mass at 10:30 am. A private burial will be held. Please feel free to dress casually. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.
Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
Very sad to have just learned about the passing of Brian. Classmate from Central Junior High, CCD at St Cecilia , and until AHS class of 1990. You are missed my friend.
Aggie and family my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Although I did not personally know you Brian you were taken far to early.I hope your family can get over this tragedy and remember you for who you were. God bless. From family across the pond. Ken
Aggie and Terry we are so very sorry for yor loss. Though nothing we can say or do will ease your pain and sorrow we hope knowing your friends are thinking of you and keeping you all in our prayers will offer a little comfort .
It is a small world.
I am a proud Iowa Hawkeye born in Iowa City, eventually moving to Crestwood Kentucky. Brian’s best buddies here, Kon and Missy always welcomed The Iowa Boys every May to come to The Ky Derby week.
I got to hang out with them at least 3 different derby seasons.
It was like a great gift of friendship from my home state. I really loved how funny Brian and all of the guys were together. Missy and Kon thank you for sharing this special Iowa friend with me. I am so glad to have the memories and pictures of those times. Rest in sweet peace in heaven Brian You Are Missed By Everyone Tammy Bowman-Bisignano Louisville KY
We moved back to Ames when I was 10. Brian lived just a few houses down on 24th and was my first friend in Ames at my new school, Northwood. I will never forget riding our bikes everywhere around town, neighboring paper routes, hours and hours after school at North Grand and Dark Star arcade, my first Cyclone basketball game with him, and instantly feeling at home in Ames because of him. Our prayers go out to his family and I hope all these memories of him bring some peace and comfort.
I'll never forget helping to teach him the words to the Ames High school song so the players could sing it to the students in the stands after the game if they won that night. They did, and his class started that tradition that I believe continues to this day. God bless.
I remember Brian being around our high school football team at Ames high in the late 90s. He was always cracking jokes and making light of situations that called for it. Thanks for helping us get ready come game day it was much appreciate. Condolences to your family and friends rip buddy.
I worked with Kruzi at Iowa Beverage for many years. He was always such a fun and positive person to be around. My sympathies to his family. I will never forget our trip to a Chicago Bears game in December when it was -9 and our beers were freezing. Brian even found the silver lining in our situation that night! He was one of a kind and will be missed.
I'm so sorry to learn of your loss. Thinking of you both and wishing you strength during this very difficult time.
So very sorry for your loss. Rest peacefully knowing you'll see him again. God Bless and keep....
Thom and Ginger Foley
He will truly be missed by many loved by all who knew him.. RIP Kruzi 💔
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