Mr. Albert Leo "Al" Kruczek, 89, of Osceola, passed away peacefully of natural causes at Eastlake Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Elkhart on Friday, October 4, 2024, at 11:30 am.  He was born on May 3, 1935 in McKeesport, Pennsylvania to the late Frank and Sophia (Krawczyk) Kruczek, and remained in the Keystone State most of his life until a few years ago to be close to his son. On September 28, 1963, Al married Norma Jean Forsyth in McKeesport, PA. She remained his faithful spouse until her passing in 2016. Along with his parents, Al is also preceded in death by all of his brothers and sisters.

Surviving Al is his son William J. "Bill" ( Lisa) Kruczek of Osceola; his daughter Jody Ann (William) Taggart of Richmond, Virginia; grandchildren Theodore (Heather) Kruczek of Weymouth, Massachusetts, John-Allen "Jac" (Le) Kruczek of South Bend, Robert (Rachel) Kruczek of Madison Heights, Michigan, Emma and Lillian Taggart, both of Richmond, Virginia, and great grandson Julian Kruczek of South Bend.

After high school, young Al joined the U.S. Navy and served honorably during the Korean War. Al used this opportunity to travel across the globe and visited many exotic places. He later joined the Naval Reserve and served an additional 20 years.

After the Navy, Al began working at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) as a bank examiner in the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania area. His new career was one marked by diligence and a sharp intellect. His role in ensuring the financial integrity of institutions reflected his methodical nature and attention to detail. Al's professional life provided him with opportunities to travel and see different parts of the country, something he relished. A graduate of Penn State University in the early 1960s, Al maintained a lifelong love for learning and exploration, always seeking out new experiences when he could.

After the passing of his beloved Norma, Al made the courageous decision to move to Indiana, where he embraced a new phase of life. It was here that he found solace in the simplicity of the Midwest, developing a fondness for fishing and spending time helping on his family's farm. These quiet moments outdoors brought him peace and a sense of connection with nature. Though his heart always remained tied to Pennsylvania, Al found comfort in being close to family in his final years.

Al's life was a testament to the values of perseverance and love for family. He lived a humble life, rich with quiet joys and relationships. Those who knew him best will remember him as a man of few words but many kind actions; someone who always considered the needs of others.

In accordance with Al's wishes, a simple cremation has been arranged with the assistance of Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart. No formal services or celebrations are planned at this time, but his family invites those who knew him to honor his memory in their own personal ways, keeping alive the stories and moments that made him so special.

Though Al has left this world, his legacy of integrity and kindness will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.