Bennett Roderick Krusen

How do parents write an obituary for a son whose soul was bigger than life?

Bennett Roderick Krusen was born April 15, 2008 in Fort Worth, Texas. He was the loving son of Craig D. Krusen (Amy Hicks) and Sheila (née Brown) Krusen.

Through tears, we share that Bennett Roderick Benedict Krusen was a young man who was at peace with who he was. In his own words, he was funny, talented, a jack-of-all-trades, smart, friendly, tech-savvy, loving, considerate, trustworthy-in-the-right-circumstances, forgetful, autistic, problem-solving, negotiating, unique, anti-school, depressed person who had crushes, demons, secrets and feelings just like all of you. He doesn’t want his memories to be mourned; he wants them to be celebrated. Bennett wants to be remembered for the good things he did, not the good things he could have done.

In a word, Bennett was curious. His inquisitiveness and keen intellect drove all of his pursuits. His passions included the military (especially WW2 naval battles), music, fishing, tinkering in the garage with his father’s and Poppy’s tools (regardless of whether he was actually allowed to do so), exploring the outdoors, and video games. Ben reveled in both of his grandfathers’ military service.

Bennett was driven; he wanted to understand the intricacies of every machine, every movement and process - as well as master the requisite tool(s) for each task. Whatever he did, Bennett was all in! “B” took apart his motorized scooter about two years ago, in order to make it go faster. When challenged to put it back together, a few weeks ago, (most likely inspired by the $100 “bet” that it couldn’t be done), he once again proved his mettle. He also celebrated proving his father wrong.

Bennett had a tremendously special love of music; both listening and singing. Yes, Bennett was 21st century and always had access to his favorite music through his computer and headphones; however, he regularly raided his father’s cassette collection and pieced together quite a stereo system from our basement.

Bennett was a person of the “simple culinary delights”. He loved applesauce, candied almonds, hot dogs, mac n cheese, “cheesy octagons” (aka ravioli), and pineapple soufflé, just to name a few.

While his canine companion, Tanner, was so dear to him; Bennett’s empathy was clearly evident in his love for all animals. It was the bugs, however, that were such an interesting and important facet in Bennett’s life. Bennett loved - at various times - his fish, his pet gerbils, and yes, his “pet” darkling beetles. Recently, Bennett was involved in our bee hive and was very anxiously awaiting our first honey harvest. One of our Boo’s nicknames (self-anointed at five years old) was “Bert Wrangler,” because he was an expert (bert) bug wrangler. He spent endless hours in the jetties of Ocean City, NJ searching for and recovering assorted marine life. Multiple species of crabs, minnows, snails, an occasional horseshoe crab, and other aquatic animals made their way into Ben’s daily marine habitat showcase. This was a hole in the sand, lined with an old shower curtain and filled with ocean water - which ultimately transitioned into his “classroom” to teach passers-by the world of the New Jersey aquatic life systems.

He was a remarkably voracious reader, a lover of X-Files, and while he loved a good hat, his snake-skin cowboy boots and his belt buckles were the most beloved part of his wardrobe.

Bennett’s journey was fraught, and therefore hard-won. He will be forever loved.

In addition to his parents, Bennett Rodrick Krusen is survived by his brother, Carter David Krusen; his maternal grandfather, L. Richard Brown; his paternal grandmother, Linda M. Krusen; his aunt, Nancy Wick (Bobby); his uncles, Jason Krusen (Julie), Scott Brown (Heidi), David Brown (Kate) and Tim Brown (Julie); and twelve loving cousins. He was predeceased by his maternal grandmother, Sandra L. Brown, his paternal grandfather, A. Larry Krusen, and his uncle, Brian R. Krusen.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Visitation 6:00-9:00 PM Thursday, October 26, 2023 at The Donohue Funeral Home, 1627 West Chester Pike, West Chester, PA 19382.

Please come prepared with your favorite Bennett Krusen memory. Craig and Sheila will be asking their guests to share their memories via a personal QR code, or written note, that will be compiled for them to read and treasure.

In lieu of flowers, Craig and Sheila would like to help other families who are faced with the unimaginable task of burying a child. Final Farewell and The “J” Foundation made donations in order to cover all of Bennett’s funeral expenses. Please help us pay it forward to other families experiencing this unfathomable pain.

Final Farewell, 201 York Rd, Suite1 #403, Jenkintown, PA 19046, https://www.finalfarewell.org/donate or to The "J" Foundation, Inc, P.O. Box 141, Thorton, PA 19373, https://www.jfoundationinc.org