Industry leader Paul Kruder dies at 82

Paul Kruder, founder and chairman of Computerized Information & Management Services Inc. (CIMS), passed away on Jan. 2, 2009, at his home in Boca Grande, Fla. He was 82.

Since founding CIMS in 1971, Kruder had been a passionate advocate of tire registration and consumer tire safety. He had spent the last 37 years helping tire manufacturers, tire dealers, tire distributors and automobile dealerships understand their requirements and realize the consumer safety benefits of tire registration.

"While we mourn the loss of our founder, chairman and mentor, we remain dedicated to provide excellent service to our valued clients and the tire industry," says his wife of 55 years, Susan Kruder, who is president of the company. "This is the foundation that Paul built, and it is the legacy we will continue to honor.

"All of our key managers have at least 20 years of experience with CIMS, and it is their knowledge and leadership that will continue to move the company forward."

Kruder was born to the late Ernest and Francis Kruder on May 13th, 1926, in Amherst, New York. Paul enlisted in the U.S. Navy for active duty in World War II at the age of 17. He served in the South Pacific with the Fleet Marines.

He graduated in 1950 from the University of Buffalo with a B.S. degree in Economics and Finance Management. He was hired by Firestone Tire and Rubber Co. as a financial manager and moved to Akron, Ohio, where he met his future wife, Susan Louise Bruggemeier.

The Kruders lived in Liberia, West Africa, for two years, then returned to Akron, where Paul worked for the Ferro Corp. and Mohawk Rubber Co. as comptroller prior to founding CIMS.

In addition to his wife, Kruder is survived by his daughter, Kathleen Kruder Turner (James), and his grandchildren, John Paul Turner and Abigail Turner. He was preceded in death by his son, Paul John Kruder, two sisters and a brother.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, at the First Congregational Church of Akron, 292 E. Market St., with private interment at Rose Hill Burial Park. A celebration of life service will be held in Boca Grande at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Rotary Camp, 4460 Rex Lake Dr., Akron, Ohio 44319, or to Planned Parenthood, 444 W. Exchange St., Akron, OH 44302 or a charity of choice.