Donald Kruse

Donald G. Kruse 82, died at 2:30 p.m. October 24, 2009, at his residence, following a lengthy illness. He was born March 27, 1927, in Elida, Ohio to Charles Duane and Irene Moreo Kruse, who preceded him in death. On June 25, 1950, at United Brethren Church, Elida, he married Cleo C. Sherrick, who survives in Elida, Ohio. Mr. Kruse was a lifelong resident of Elida, other than the 18 months during World War II. He was a Navy veteran of World War II, serving aboard the USS Bennington and the USS Salerno Bay in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. In 1947, following his military service, he graduated from Elida High School. He learned to be a mechanic from his father and was co-owner with his brother ?Hud? of Kruse Sohio. The station was operated at the corner of Elida and Dutch Hollow roads as a full-service station to provide a bygone era of customer service and neighborly support for 40 years. He was a member of the Elida Lions Club, which ensures underprivileged adults and children receive eyeglasses. He served on the Elida Board of Education for eight years and coached Little League baseball for several years. He was a member of Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks Lodge 54, Lima, where he had served as an exalted ruler. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. He enjoyed fishing and golfing, and had two holes-in-one. Survivors include two sons, Mark ?Mick? Kruse, of Elida, Ohio, and Kory (Denise) Kruse, of Delphos, Ohio; a daughter, Kris (Jeff) Thompson, of Delphos, Ohio; two brothers, Robert (Doris) Kruse, of Arizona, and Harold (Marjorielee) Kruse, of Lima, Ohio; five grandchildren, Justin (Marisa) Kruse, Alexa Kruse, Braytan Kruse, Britney Thompson and Chelsey Thompson; and three great-grandchildren, Aidan Kruse, Cameron Kruse and Elayna Kruse. He was preceded in death by a son, Robin Kruse. Services will begin at 2 p.m. Thursday at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home. Chaplain Richard Coon will officiate. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, Elida, with military rites by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1275. Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Township Fire & Rescue Squad, Elida; the Delphos Coon & Sportsman Club; or St. Rita?s Hospice. Condolences may be expressed at www.chamber lainhuckeriede.com