James Orval Kruse

Born in Cedar Rapids, IA on April 12, 1936
Departed on November 15, 2008. Resided in Cedar Rapids, IA.

Memorial

James Orval Kruse, 72, of 4102 Lake View Dr SW, died Saturday November 15, 2008 in his home from a long illness. Services: 1:00 P.M. Wednesday at Cedar Memorial Westside Chapel, where a gathering will be held for friends on Tuesday from 4-7 p.m.

Survivors include his wife Kathryn Kruse, his children, Elaine Behrens and husband Chris of Cedar Rapids, Jennifer Weber and husband Pete of Dubuque, and Kyl Gorman and husband Seth of Cedar Rapids, a brother, Dean Kruse of Cedar Rapids, a sister, Donna Nunemaker of Cedar Rapids, 8 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Also surviving is a special friend, Don Wachal of Cedar Rapids and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Dick Kruse and sister, Yvonne Beranek.

James was born April 12, 1936 in Cedar Rapids, the son of Orval and Pearl Kruse. He married Andrea Boyle and they later divorced. He then married Kathryn Ann Rasmussen. James was a foreman for Rockwell Goss, Storm Steel and retired from Cedar Rapids Inc-Terex. He enjoyed life and loved his raspberry garden. He was an avid sports fan enjoying basketball, football, wrestling, the St. Louis Cardinals and Kurt Warner. He was a member of St. Jude’s Catholic Church. He served in the nation guard for 8 years.

A memorial fund has been established by the family.