Edward James Kruse

Recording of Memorial Service

Sibley & George, IA 

     Ed Kruse age 86 of Sibley, Iowa died Saturday, April 6, 2024, at the Osceola Region Hospital in Sibley.

     Visitation will be Thursday, April 11th from 4:00 to 7:00 PM with the family present at the First Baptist Church, rural George, IA.

     Memorial services will be at 10:30 AM on Friday, April 12, 2024, at First Baptist Church, rural George, IA, with Pastor Jesse Sternke, officiating.

     Burial will follow the lunch in the First Baptist Cemetery, rural George, IA, with military honors by Jack Sauter American Legion Post No. 404.

     In lieu of flowers, the Kruse family prefers memorials be directed to Osceola County Veterans Affairs, Sibley, Iowa.

     On Saturday, April 6, 2024, Edward (Ed) James Kruse, husband, father, grandpa, Opa, friend and brother in Christ went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  He was eighty-six years. Born on September 2, 1937 in White, South Dakota to Peter and Christine (Block) Kruse. He lived and worked on the farm until he enlisted in the US Army. Ed served 1961-1963. He met and married Gloria (Doeden) on July 10, 1964.

     In the years following, he owned a small trucking business, farmed, worked various jobs as an over the road truck driver, mechanic, café owner, and final position with Sibley Sheet Metal. He continued to serve the community as the local handyman until 2023.

     Ed was a faithful member of various Baptist churches throughout his life. He was a trustee and handyman of the local church. He was faithful to ensure that his family attended church anytime the doors were open. His passion was fishing. It was known that his boat had more highway miles than lake miles on it. There was always the necessary plug check after he was on the water for 15 minutes. He was an avid gardener. He and his partner in crime, Norm Becker, would compete to see whose garden was most abundant. Fast Eddie and Stormin’ Norman would travel near and far appreciating the efforts of fellow gardeners of the county.  He loved playing with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Ed enjoyed watching people at the mall and never met an enemy. He loved the challenge of fixing any broken piece of equipment. He was notorious for doing his wiring on live circuits without turning off the power. Fourth of July was his favorite time of year.  His Fourth of July tradition was to burn his shirt while shooting bottle rockets from his fingers at his family. Many hours were lost putting tint on van windows with his brother, Chuck. It would not be a misnomer to say that Ed’s default grill setting was extra well done. Everyone knew his garage would be extra clean, heated and cooled. His cars shined inside, outside including the engine. 

     He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Gloria and children: Ryan, Rhonda, Ramona, Randy & Rodney.

(*grandchild & **great-grandchild)

Ryan (Lori) Kruse, Fort Gibson, Oklahoma 

            *Matthew (Antonia) Kruse (**Bruce & Levi)

            *Lacey (James) Davis (**James IV, Dylan, Wyatt, Tyler & Elsie)

Rhonda (Jonathan) Wade, Crestview, Florida

            *Benjamin (Jessica) Wade (**Chase)

            *Ian Wade

Ramona (Ernie) Villanueva, Sibley, Iowa

            *Gloria (Matthew) Beyer (**Sophia, Oliver and Lyra)

            *Eddie Villanueva

            *Ernie (Judea) Villanueva (**Valerie, Julianna, Jessamina and Janessa)

            *Isaac Villanueva (**Daniella, Alyxys, Jessica and Josephine)

            *AnnaMarie Villanueva (**Robert, Gauge and Rihanna)

Randy (Lisa) Kruse, Sheldon, Iowa

            *Cody (Joanna) Kruse

            *Destiny Kruse

            *Delaney (Nicklas) Meyer (**Taylah)

            *Chenoa (James) Gradert (*Emma)

            *Cael Story

Rodney (Laura) Kruse, Sheldon, Iowa

            *Connor Kruse

            *Wesley Kruse

            *Clay Kruse

Brother, Charles (Carolyn) Kruse, Alpine Village, Missouri

Sister, Alida Quenomoen, Shakopee, Minnesota

Brother-in-law, Harlan (LeAnn) Doeden

Sister-in-law, Joyce Doeden

As well as many others including cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends.

     Preceded in death by his parents Peter & Christine Kruse; his inlaws George and Martha Doeden, great granddaughter Alyssa Marie Zamarron and brother-in-law Kenny Doeden.