Richard JA Kruse

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Richard (John Arthur) Kruse, of L’Anse, Michigan. Loving father and grandfather, passed away on Monday, March 2, 2015 at Marquette General Hospital; he was 80 years old. Richard JA Kruse was born on January 6, 1935 in Saginaw MI to the late Irving and Orpha (VanBuskirk) Kruse. He married Phyllis L. Hokkanen on June 10, 1961 in Southfield MI; she survives him. Richard was a 1953 graduate of Arthur Hill High School, Saginaw MI, and he served in the United States Marine Corp. Richard earned a BBA in 1962, and MBA in 1969, both from Central Michigan University. Richard was a General Motors Industrial Engineer for 31 years, retiring in 1991.
Richard loved living on the shores of Lake Superior, and all of the beauty of the Upper Peninsula. He particularly enjoyed blueberry picking, gardening, bird watching and traveling. Bonfires by the shore and spending time with his two sons and their families were the best of times for all. He was the devoted and loving caregiver for Phyllis in the last years of his life. He was a long time member of the Aura Lutheran Church and was a past congregational President.
Surviving are his children: Erick R. (Susan) Kruse, Lowell MI, Kurt W. (Hillary) Kruse, Rockford, MI; seven grandchildren, Katie, Connor, Daniel, Mikayla, David, William, and Lucas. Richard was preceded in death by his brother and two sisters, Louis I. Kruse, Katherine E. (Dan) Brennan, and Ruth A. (George) French, all of Saginaw MI. Richard is survived by his sisters in-law, Carole Hokkanen and Mildred Kruse, as well as nieces and nephews: Ben (Jenny), Ericka, Marsha, Mike, Maureen (Jerry), Marna, Mira (Roger), Andrea.
A very special thanks to sister-in-law Carole Hokkanen, loving friends Darlene and Harold Godlevske, and John and Mary McCord, as well as many other dear friends. The family would like to extend a heart-felt thank you to the nursing staff at Marquette General Hospital.
FUNERAL: Richard’s Funeral Service was at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 9, 2015 at Jacobson Funeral Home, 200 L’Anse Ave, L’Anse, MI. Judy Matson will officiate.
VISITATION: Friends called at Jacobson Funeral Home on Monday, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m.
MEMORIALS: Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Aura Lutheran Church, c/o Carol Gallup,13826 Bayview Dr., L’Anse, MI, 49946-9032.
Burial will be on May 15th at 10 a.m. with Military Rites, at the L’Anse Evergreen Cemetery. The Jacobson Funeral Home is assisting the family. Friends may sign Richard’s guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com.