AKRON — Susan Bruggemeier Kruder, president of Computerized Information and Management Services (CIMS) based in Akron, died at her home in Boca Grande, Fla., on Dec. 10. She was 92.
CIMS was founded by Kruder and her late husband Paul in 1970 to provide tire retailers with products and services for tire registration in order to be in compliance with federal regulations.
The business originally provided postcard-type mail-in forms for registering tires with the manufacturers. Today, the family-owned company offers registration of new tires at the point of sale and online.
According to her obituary, her family and supporting colleagues will continue to operate CIMS.
Kruder was married to Paul Kruder for more than 55 years. They began their married life living in Liberia, West Africa, for two years when Paul Kruder worked for the former Firestone Tire and Rubber Co.
Kruder traveled around the world and was involved with several Akron-area organizations, including Let's Grow Akron, Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Akron Children's Hospital, Akron Rotary Camp, United Way, Keep Akron Beautiful (emeritus board member) and Junior League.
She received the Junior League Sustainer Inspiration Award which recognizes a woman who embodies the mission of empowering women for positive change in the community. She also received the Keep Ohio Beautiful Community Award, recognizing beautification of communities.
Survivors include her daughter Kathleen Kruder Turner (James A.) and grandchildren, John Paul and Abigail. She was preceded in death by her husband Paul J. Kruder; son Paul J. Kruder Jr.; and brothers David and George Bruggemeier.