Obituary of Klaus E. Krutzikowsky

Klaus E Krutzikowsky, 77, of Santa Cruz, CA and Chiefland, FL, died March 25, 2010 in Chiefland. He was born on Jan. 10, 1933 in Chicago, IL to George & Hildegard Krutzikowsky. Klaus danced, rather than marched through life, to the tune of a different drummer. He lived life largely on his own terms. Growing up to immigrant parents in the melting pot that was Chicago in the 1930s and 40s shaped him. He served his country and learned to fly airplanes in the US Air Force. A true entrepreneur, Klaus founded and was President of American Sterling Enterprises. He was in many ways a creative genius who designed and built things and came up with innovative solutions to problems. He continued to tinker with and fix things up until his last days. His life was rich in experience. He traveled throughout the U.S., Mexico, Europe, and South America. He loved listening to classical music, discussing the economy and politics. His views and opinions were his own, his perspectives unique, and he challenged those around him to think creatively. He was a loving father who was always supportive and there for his children. Klaus will be missed greatly by those he loved and whose lives he touched. He is survived by his children Kira (Paul) Geiss of Porter, IN; Gregory (Vicki) Krutzikowsky of Newport, OR; Douglas (Kim) Krutzikowsky of Santa Cruz, CA; his grandchildren Hannah & Robert Geiss of Porter, IN; and Ronan, Nikolai, & Merak Krutzikowsky of Newport, OR, and the mother of his children, Betty Kay, of Santa Cruz, CA; his sisters, Ruth (Herbert) Schmidt of Sparkhill, NY; Jeanne (William) Sames of Hudson, WI; and his brother Gunther (Marily) Krutzikowsky of Cedar Key, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Hildegard Krutzikowsky; 2 brothers, George & Heinz Krutzikowsky and nephew Christopher Schmidt. Arrangements are under the care of Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, 1301 N. Young Blvd, Chiefland, FL 32626; 352-493-0050. On line condolences may be sent through our website at www.hiers-baxley.com.