George Kruse, Jr.

        George Kruse, Jr., age 94, of Decorah, IA, died Wednesday, February 10, 2016 at the Green Lea Manor Nursing Home in Mabel, MN.      Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, February 15, 2016, at the Mabel First Lutheran Church, 202 North Oak, Mabel, MN, with Rev. Elliott Malm presiding. Burial will be in the Mabel Cemetery, Mabel, MN.    Friends may call from 2:00-5:00 p.m., on Sunday, February 14, 2016, at the Schluter – Balik Funeral Home, 604 South Avenue, Decorah, IA, and also after 10:00 a.m., on Monday at the church.      George Frederick Kruse, Jr., was born on August 18, 1921, the son of George and Cloa (Mitchell) Kruse, Sr. in Luana, Iowa. George attended school in Frankville, IA, and graduated from Decorah High School in 1939. George moved with his family near Burr Oak, IA, and farmed with his father. George was united in marriage to Donna Tollefsrud on August 18, 1942 at Big Canoe Lutheran Church in rural Decorah. This union was blessed with four children: Robert, Gary, Lynee and Geoffrey. George farmed north of Decorah with Donna working alongside her husband. George served in WWII, from 1943-45. George was a farmer to the core, who loved the land and enjoyed all aspects of the farm. George enjoyed dancing with Donna at Matters, fishing, and wintering in Mission, Texas. He also enjoyed nature and reading his National Geographic. George always had a “song in his heart” and loved to sing throughout his life. In 2010, George was so grateful to take part in an Honor Flight to Washington DC. He was also presented a Quilt of Honor for his service. George was a member of the Mabel First Lutheran Church, where he was an active member, serving on the Board as well as Superintendent of Sunday School.      George is survived by his four children: Robert (Priscilla) Kruse, Wayzata, MN, Gary (Eloise) Kruse, St. Cloud, MN, Lynee (John) Casper, Urbandale, IA, and Geoffrey (Mary) Kruse, Decorah, IA; Eleven grandchildren: Haley (Carl) Monzel, Kerri (Seth) Gilmore, Christopher and Elizabeth Kruse, Tim (Heidi) Kruse, April (John) Olmscheid, Jennifer (Clive) Heke, David (Laura) Casper, Steven (Debbie Collins) Casper, Kylie (fiancé, Andrew Brown) Kruse and Kelsey Kruse. Great-grandchildren: Adele, Ava & Ethan Casper, Max and Cam Monzel, Valette Heke, Olivia Casper & Elizabeth Collins, Nolan & Joseph Gilmore. Four sisters-in-law: Margaret Kemple, Rochester, MN, Inga Halvorson, Wabasha, MN, Delores Armstrong, West Plains, MO, Florence Headington, Decorah, IA, along with many nieces and nephews.      George was preceded in death by his parents: George and Cloa (Mitchell) Kruse. His wife: Donna on February 20, 2011. His father-in-law and mother-in-law: George and Selma (Herbranson) Tollefsrud. Two sisters: Velva (Alert) Lovstuen and Mila Mae (Milton) Lovstuen. Brothers-in-law: Truman (Beth) Tollefsrud Gilman (Irene) Tollefsrud, and Charles (Lucille) Tollefsrud, Richard Kemple, Duane Halvorson, Bob Armstrong, and Milo Headington. Sisters-in-law: Gloria (Bernie) Lind and LuVerne (Raymond) Hegland.