Obituary of Kenneth Kruse

Kenneth Dale Kruse Sr. December 10, 1945 - October 28, 2011 Kenneth Dale Kruse was born in Erie, Michigan on December 10, 1945. He was the son of the late Raymond F. Kruse Sr. and the late Helen R. (Finley) Kruse. He served his country honorably as a member of the United States Army from 1964-1971 obtaining the rank of Sergeant E-6. He married the love of his life Helen Beth Oliver on April 15, 1968 in Luna Pier, Michigan. For many years Kenneth had worked for the Monroe County Opportunity Program as a driver providing transportation to MCOP clients. Kenneth was an intelligent man earning a Bachelor's degree in Business. He was a devoted and loving husband and father always placing his family first. Ken was as they say willing to go the extra mile for others. He was also a God-fearing, soul winner. Ken was a twenty-seven year devoted member of the Luna Pier Baptist Church. He served there as a bus driver and was warmly known as "Mr. Ken". When it came to children he had a huge heart. Ken was passionate about making sure that the kids had the resources they needed to be successful. He didn't want anyone to slip through the cracks. Kenneth Dale Kruse Sr. age 65 of Luna Pier passed away Friday, October 28, 2011 at St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center . In addition to his parents his passing was preceded by a brother-in-law: Kenny and a sister-in-law: Alice. To cherish his memory he leaves a beloved wife of more than forty-three years: Helen Beth of Luna Pier; four children: Tamberlee Kruse (Justin Blanck) of Mainville, Ohio, Michellee (Ross) Case of Luna Pier, Kenneth (Miranda) Kruse Jr. of Luna Pier, and Kendra Sue (Brad) Johnson of Luna Pier; eight siblings: Norma Bishop, Shirley Blair, Janet (Jack) Reed, Carol (Bill) Reau, Judy "Peaches" Woods, Raymond (Sandy) Kruse Jr., James Kruse, and Tom Kruse; and five grandchildren: Tommy, Tiffany, Gabby, Katie, and Patrick. Friends may gather for a Celebration of His Life at 1:00pm Tuesday, November 1, 2011 at the Luna Pier Baptist Church, 4265 Luna Pier Road. The Rev. Kenneth Steffes pastor of the church will officiate. Merkle Funeral Service, 9156 Summit Street in Erie has been entrusted with his arrangements. Memorials donations are suggested to the Kruse family. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or send flowers by visiting www.merklefs.com and then selecting the Online Tributes page.