James Orval Kruse
I worked with Jim at Goss for just a brief time but I remember him as a great guy, fun to be around with a great sense of humor. He always had a twinkle in his eye and was truly one of the nicest people I've had the pleasure to know. I k now he loved his girls, and they have my deepest sympathies. I'll keep thinking of Jim every now and then like I always have, because it always makes me smile. Once again, my condolences on your loss. Mark Koch
Mark Koch
Cedar Rapids
IA
I was greatly saddened to hear of Jim's passing. I worked with Jim at Goss and know what a great person he was. He came up to see me years later when I had the grocery store in Center Point and we enjoyed a nice day of talking about all the things we had done together. I will miss his love of life. Even after the cancer surgery, he was never angry or disturbed with the hand life had dealt him, he was grateful for the life he had left. We should all take a page from Jim's life and be more thankful for what we have. I am thankful that Jim's life and mine crossed. I am a better person for having known him. My deepest sypmpathy to Kathy whom Jim always spoke so nicely about. You were indeed a wonderful part of Jim's life and he loved you so very much. God Bless you all, Rod Bishop
Rod Bishop
Center Point
IA
Laurel and I want to extend our sympathy to Jim's family. I knew Jim for many years and played some slowpitch with him. He was a fine gentleman. We are sorry for your loss.
Bud Byrne
Cedar Rapids
IA
Sorry for your loss, you have our deepest sympathy. Jim was my foreman at Goss and one of the best I ever had. I was one of the guys Jim bought tee shirts for that said "Kruse's Krew" and I still have it put away. He always stuck up for the people that worked for him. He was fun to work with and a great guy. I will never forget him. We will keep you in our prayers. Joe and Joyce Less
Joe and Joyce Less
Anamosa
IA
Dear Kathy, Elaine, Jennifer, Kyl and Andrea, I'm so saddened to learn of Jim's passing. He was always a very special uncle-in-law to me! Please know that my prayers are with all of you and that Jim will always hold a special place in my heart. Many blessings to all of you and the whole family. Cathy
Cathy Nunemaker
Westminster
CO
Seth & Kyl - Our sincere sympathy in the loss of your father. Jean & Cecil Anderson
Cecil and Jean Anderson
Marion
IA
Kathy, I met Jim working at Cedarapids Inc. I remember you working there also. You and your family have my deepest sympathy. I always enjoyed visiting with Jim, his stories, his great sense of humor and his friendly nature made him liked by all. I'm sure God was smiling when he saw Jim come home.
Dave Lauer
Cedar Rapids
IA
My Dad (Lyle) always spoke very highly of Jim. I pray for you during your time of loss.
Gigi (Kruse) Pettengill
Worthtington
MO
Jim and I graduated from WWHS together class of 1954 and I was able to visit with him at our 45th class reunion 10 years ago. My husband Jim whom I lost in February to COPD after 10 years of struggles worked at FMC and knew Jim from when he worked there briefly and from the Coast to Coast store in what was once Czech Village. Our son Chris who attended LaSalle HS took Jim's daughter Elaine to either the Prom or some kind of school dance proving what a small world it can be. What I remember the most about Jim in school was that the girls were all "ga ga" over him, most especially one of my best friends who enlisted me to let him know of her feelings!! Jim please look up my Jim "up there" and maybe you and he can swap fishing tales. Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. I know firsthand how hard it will be for you. Suzy (Jecmenek) Wilbur