David Kevin Kruciak, age 65, left this earth for a better place peacefully surrounded by family on July 11, 2024, after a courageous battle with multiple forms of cancer.

David was born on November 9, 1958 in San Antonio, Texas to Emil and Rose Kruciak. He attended St. Benedict's Grade School in San Antonio before moving to Tennessee to graduate from Germantown High School. He also attended Memphis State University and the University of Texas at Arlington.

David worked several odd jobs in his youth before finding his passion and niche in civil engineering. In 1985 David started as an entry-level draftsman for a local engineering firm before expanding his knowledge and expertise in several new companies. His talents allowed him to fill roles ranging from design technician to managing design team members and projects in international consulting and environmental firms. Before his passing, David was employed at AECOM as a senior designer.

In 2004, he married the love of his life, soul mate, and partner in crime, Jodie. After moving to Krum, TX, David and Jodie began looking for a new church, and they found Hope Lutheran Church in Corinth, Texas. They felt it was a perfect fit for them. David subsequently became president of the church council. He was known as the "Minister of Meat" as he enjoyed smoking a variety of meats which he generously shared with church members and first responders. He held many barbeques and enjoyed the fellowship with other church members. While he was battling cancer, he told Pastor Wayne that he was fortunate that he had crossed paths with him and the Hope Lutheran Church family.

Family was a big part of David's life. He was married to his wife Jodie for 20 years and they shared caring for David's kids Katelyn and Dylan, and Jodie's sons Todd (and wife Jill) and Jason. David, aka Grandpa, and Jodie, aka Grandma, were blessed with 4 grandchildren, Allie and Kylie Baker, Maxwell Kruciak, and Evelynn Kruciak. A fifth is on the way. David was also close to Jill's parents Lee and Pam Lewis.

David is survived by his wife Jodie and her father Dwane Matthies; his daughter Katelyn Kruciak, grandson Maxwell; his son Dylan Kruciak, granddaughter Evelynn; Jodie's sons Todd Baker, with wife Jill and granddaughters Allie and Kylie; and son Jason Baker. He is also survived by brother Don, partner Sharron Bowman, niece Nicci Fowler and great nephews Gabe and Josh Fowler; sister Karin Harris; and sister Sandi Sykes, husband Albert Sykes, nieces Kandice Levental, her husband Ilya and great nieces Ailee and Emily, niece Stephanie Cook, her husband Dave, great nephew Andrew and great niece Alexandria. Cousins and their families on both sides of the parents were also important to him. Leatrice Gottardy, Aunt Kutchy, is the matriarch of the Kruciak family and was responsible for the yearly gatherings on Mother's Day that were special to David and his family.

The family would be remiss in not recognizing the many friends David and Jodie made over the years from their respective companies and their Church.

Outside of smoking meats for family and friends, David's interests and hobbies included ranching ("don't call me a farmer"), his long-suffering Dallas Cowboys, Ford Mustangs and other fast cars, music, and woodworking.

Comments and stories added to the website involving David are greatly appreciated by the family. Instead of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in David's name to either Hope Lutheran Church, the American Cancer Society, or other cancer-fighting organizations.