It is with deep sorrow and immense love that we announce the passing of Charles “Chip” Kruminas, age 72, on July 2, 2026, in Goodlettsville, Tennessee.

Chip was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He was the kind of man who could fix just about anything with an engine and if it didn’t have one, he’d probably find a way to add one. He loved to tinker, taking things apart just to see how they worked and usually finding a way to put them back together.

Born on September 4, 1953, Chip grew up on the South Side of Chicago, where his lifelong love of mechanics, motorcycles, and trains began. Somewhere along the way, this tough South Side kid won the heart of an Irish Catholic schoolgirl, Christine “Chris” Simon. They married in 1974 and shared 52 wonderful years together, building a life filled with love, laughter, and unwavering devotion.

Chip and Chris eventually settled in the suburbs, where they raised their son, Adam. Chip was the kind of father who passed along everything he knew about fixing things - whether Adam wanted the lesson or not - and was always ready to lend a hand whenever it was needed. He worked for 45 years on the railroad, retiring from Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad after a career built on hard work, dedication, and pride in doing the job right.

Nothing brought Chip more joy than being on his motorcycle. Over the course of his life, he rode well over 200,000 miles, from his beloved Gold Wing with its sidecar to his later-years Cam-Am Spyder. Chip also had a lifelong love of Chicago pizza, especially Uno Pizzeria, and an unmatched talent for telling terrible jokes. He never met a story he couldn’t tell twice, and his family wouldn’t have had it any other way. His playful sense of humor and larger-than-life personality brought smiles to everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Above all else, Chip loved his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Christine, and his son, Adam Kruminas and his wife Melissa, and his three cherished grandchildren, Benjamin, Alexander, and Elizabeth. He also leaves behind an extended family and countless friends whose lives were enriched by his kindness and generosity. Chip leaves behind a legacy of hard work, laughter, and love. Though he will be deeply missed, his family finds comfort in knowing that somewhere there’s an engine to tune, a road to explore, and a good story waiting to be told one more time. His memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. 

Per the family's wishes, there will not be services held at this time.

Arrangements are entrusted to Sumner Funeral and Cremation Lakeside, 615-822-4442, www.sumnerfuneral.com