William "K.C." Kantzer Crook

William Kantzer “K.C.” Crook, 63, North Manchester, passed away at his home on May 16, 2023. Born on July 30, 1959 in Logansport, K.C. was the son of the late William F. and G. Joann (Kantzer) Crook.

During his teenage years, K.C. developed a strong work ethic that he carried throughout his life. After graduating from Manchester High School in 1977, K.C. began working at the Laketon Refinery and then worked at the North Manchester Foundry. Around this time, K.C. began dating Brenda Claxton, and the two wed on November 17, 1979. K.C. worked hard to provide the best life for his wife. During the first part of their marriage, he worked for Farm Bureau Lumber Yard and Herb’s Welding before moving on to Nation Tube Form in Fort Wayne. K.C. and Brenda later moved to Kentucky, where K.C. worked at Faurecia in Louisville, Kentucky. The couple took a risk and bought their first business together, A-1 U-Store, a storage rental facility that they owned and operated for three years before moving back home to North Manchester. In 2017 they bought the Treeway Inn and renamed it Eel River Inn. K.C. was a good businessman who relished in new challenges.

K.C. gave to anyone in need, was always quick to forgive, and had a crazy sense of humor. Before the Covid pandemic, K.C. and Brenda attended the Congregational Christian Church, and K.C. was baptized in the Eel River in 2002. Though he and Brenda never had children, K.C. possessed a deep love for his nieces and nephews. He always had a good time with them, even if it included water gun fights in which he might cheat and get the water hose. He loved his family and his dogs, Bella and Reesie. K.C. liked to deer hunt when he was younger and enjoyed fishing for walleye and bluegill and then having everyone over for a fish fry until his health became bad. When K.C. had downtime, he enjoyed playing poker at the Eel River Inn. K.C. was a former member of the JayCee’s, the American Legion Post 286, and the North Manchester Moose. He was also a member of Izaak Walton League North Manchester Indiana Chapter.

The loving memory of K.C. Crook will be forever cherished by his wife, Brenda Crook, North Manchester; sister, Leni Penrod, North Manchester; several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews; and his dogs, Bella and Reecie. K.C. was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Jenny Lee Kelsey.

Family and friends may call May 23, 2023, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester. A celebration of K.C.’s life will begin at the conclusion of calling with Pastor J.P. Freeman officiating.

For those who wish to honor the memory of K.C. Crook, memorial contributions may be made to the Izaak Walton League North Manchester Indiana Chapter, c/o John Ingold, P.O. Box 254, North Manchester, Indiana 46962.

The family of K.C. Crook has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements. 

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