Tina Kruter 02/12/2025

Tina Kruter passed away peacefully at the age of 93 on February 12, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Survived by daughter Deb (Chuck) Eckberg, grandchildren Josh Eckberg (Emily Zaffiro), Noah Eckberg (Jonathan Chan), and Maggie (Tom) Wisersky. Preceded in death by her parents, Miriam and Edward Sacks, brother, Stanley Sacks, and husband of nearly 59 years, David Kruter.

Tina was born in Brooklyn, New York, and began singing professionally at the age of 16. She performed in nightclubs all over the world and made records that landed on the top charts of the day. Singing at one of those clubs, the club manager asked her to stay to do another set. When Tina said she couldn’t stay because she lacked a ride home, the club manager volunteered her son (David), who would end up being the love of Tina’s life. After a whirlwind romance, they married on September 6, 1963, and gave birth to Deb the following year, saying goodbye to showbiz. Tina and David made their home in Queens, NY and eventually bought their first house in Huntington.

In 1993, following the passing of both of Tina’s parents, they decided to move to Minnesota to be near Deb, Chuck, and the impending grandchildren. While Tina complained about Minnesota winters, she created a wonderful life for herself and David, spending countless hours with Deb, Chuck, and the kids. She and David provided daycare for the kids, attended nearly every school performance and game, and rarely missed a Sunday night family dinner. But besides being the greatest wife, mother, and grandmother, Tina also chose to start a new career in MN as a Weight Watchers leader, where she would spend nearly 20 years helping people get healthy with her no-nonsense approach and cutting wit. Tina’s other great love was animals, especially dogs, having owned one most of her life.

Tina spent the last two years of her life at Boulder Ponds Senior Living, where new friends were enamored with her New York accent and attitude, calling her “Tina with the black hair.” She relished her Tuesday cribbage games and holding court at twice weekly happy hours. Deb, Chuck and family want to send heartfelt thanks to the staff at Boulder Ponds, who showed Tina so much love and compassion, even when early-stage dementia made her a bit impatient and demanding. Tina always told us she was going to live to 100, and while she got close, it still didn’t seem like enough time. We are comforted by the fact that she is with David again, sharing a vodka martini, and telling him how she won fantasy football this year.

Private graveside service at Fort Snelling. Arrangements by Cullen Crea. Memorials preferred to Alzheimer’s Association or Animal Humane Society, Woodbury, MN.