John Fred Krusi

John Fred Krusi, age 77, passed away suddenly October 24, 2010 at his home in Hyde Park, Utah.
He was born August 13, 1933 in Elmhurst, Illinois the third son of Erna Schmid Krusi and Jacob Krusi. His first 13 years were spent in the Chicago area where he had many adventures with his older brothers Peter and Phil. There he learned to roller skate and ice-skate, had a small but thriving goat milk business, and traveled on the train regularly to the Morton Arboretum where he began his love of trees. In 1947 the family moved to Smithfield, Utah which they considered the Wild West, where he had many open spaces to ride his new horse and start what would become his lifetime farming career.
Fred graduated from North Cache High School in 1951 and Utah State University in 1956 with a degree in Agronomy. After another year at the University of Utah he received a teaching certificate and went on to teach 5th and 6th grade at Wilson, Ellis and Adams Elementary Schools in Logan, Utah. He loved being a teacher and was loved by many students. He taught for 35 years.
Fred married Margo McBride on August 31, 1957. They are the parents of four children. Barbara Don Corbridge, John Hollee Krusi, Greg Ann Krusi and Peter Angela Krusi. They have 18 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
In 1961 Fred moved with his family to Hyde Park where he would spend the remainder of his life. He owned a beautiful farm and raised hay and exceptionally fine Black Angus cattle. He was passionate about trees and planted thousands in his lifetime beautifying both his farm and Hyde Park. He loved reading his morning papers, carving walking sticks, and working in his fields and Hollow. He cooked tasty dutch oven potatoes and deviled eggs. Every year he had a beautiful garden and grew many things including prize winning onions, sweet peas and zinnias. He was fascinated by birds and kept his binoculars handy for the flocks who visited his many feeders. He was a voracious reader and always had an interesting book by his chair. He cared about nature and could identify birds, bugs, and plants readily. He had a cheerful disposition and distinctive laugh and loved to meet and talk with people.
Fred was active in the community serving on the Hyde Park Planning and Zoning Board, City Council, and many years as Justice of the Peace, Credit Union, and Canal Board. He kept up daily on the happenings of the city as he met new people and continued to watch out for his neighborhood from the seat of his 4-wheeler. He was always active politically and ran a good race for the State Legislature in 1985.
Fred had many great friends and associations in the Presbyterian community and thought never formally joined the L.D.S. church he actively participated for many years in the scouting program as a Merit Badge counselor and Cubmaster and loved his positions as chorister, Sunday School class President, Building Schedule Coordinator and for the years prior to his death was providing a spiritual thought monthly for Sunday School. He was an example of tolerance and respect for all people never regarding race or religion as a division.
He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Peter H. Krusi, and sister in law Mary Wood Krusi.
Funeral services will be held at noon Saturday, October 30th in the Hyde Park Northwest Chapel, 480 North 100 West in Hyde Park with Bishop Shirl McKay conducting. Friends may call at the Nelson Funeral Home, 85 South Main, Smithfield from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday and at the Hyde Park 4th Ward building from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday. Interment will be in the Hyde Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers vote in the election and plant a tree. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.nelsonfuneralhome.com .