Jason Ryan Krutsch, McMinnville, Oregon, entered heaven to be with the Lord, Jesus Christ, on Oct. 3, 2018, at the age of 45.
He was born in Bryan, Ohio, on March 20, 1973, to his devoted parents, Paul and Kyle (Brannan) Krutsch, who survive him. He is also survived by his beautiful daughter, Makayla Michelle Krutsch-Burkhardt; and his former wife, Rhiannon (Lee) Burkhardt of Marysville, Ohio; his loving brother and sister-in-law, Corey and Jen Krutsch of Corona, California; his loving sister and brother-in-law, April and Damiso Johnson of Lebanon, Ohio; his adoring grandmother, Penny Krutsch of Lapeer, Michigan; and his wonderful four nieces and nephews, Taylor and Mason Krutsch of Corona, California; Cadet Trezden Johnson at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Kiara Johnson of Lebanon, Ohio. Also surviving are numerous loving aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his fraternal grandfather, Kirk Krutsch; his maternal grandparents, Gene and Lila Brannan; and an uncle, Paul (Eddie) Cooper.
Jason graduated from Bryan High School in 1992. He was an outstanding athlete at Bryan High, achieving First Team All-State selection in football. He went on to play baseball for Ashland University and was a star left fielder on its 1995 College World Series team. He was selected as MVP for its fall league team that same year.
After leaving college, he became a salesman for Mountain High Coachworks in Ontario, California, and travelled the country representing both the Motor Home and Trailer divisions. While in California, he earned a broker’s license in real estate and founded Eagles Nest Mortgage of Corona, California. He eventually moved to the Pacific Northwest and worked for Maritime Classics doing antique boat restoration. His restoration project of the 1929 28’ Chris Craft Hull No. 3042 won First Prize in its class at the prestigious 2013 Lake Tahoe Concours d’Elegance and was awarded Most Elegant boat in the show.
In 2012, Jason found the Lord, Jesus Christ, and devoted his life to helping others. He graduated from Charis Bible College in Woodland Park, Colorado, in 2017 and made two mission trips to Brazil to minister to the poor and addicted. He truly found his life’s work in preaching the Gospel of our Lord.
Jason lived a full life joining his family several times a year to enjoy off-road excursions in the California desert and the Utah mountains. He has now found peace in the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, but his smile and laughter will be missed by all those left behind. Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God. Ps 24:4; Heb 12:14.
A celebration of life memorial service is planned for Dec. 27, 2018, on top of Mount Hood in Oregon where Jason skied, hiked, fished and prayed. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jason Krutsch Memorial fund at gf.me/u/mrrgjs. Proceeds will be used for his daughter, Makayla, to help with her expenses for college and upcoming wedding.