John "Bud" Kruse passed away on Sunday, November 14, 2021 surrounded by his loving family at home.

Funeral service will be held on Friday, November 19, 2021 at 11:00 AM at St. John Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Reverend Frank Ehling Officiating. Burial will be held at Community Cemetery near St. Hilaire, MN.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday morning.

John "Bud" Curtis Kruse, Jr. was born February 11, 1931 at home rural Red Lake Falls, MN son of John Sr. and Goldie (St. John) Kruse. He was raised on the family farm and moved near St. Hilaire. He attended school in St. Hilaire and for a short time Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls. He joined the National Guard for 4 years.

John was united in marriage to Betty Jane Zutz on May 25, 1951 at St. John Lutheran Parish in Red Lake Falls, MN. To this union Peggy, Craig, Guy, Patti and Michael were born.

John began working for the St. Hilaire Creamery, then to the Brooks Cheese Factory, Concrete Inc. and the last years worked for Dan Jolly Trucking.

Bud enjoyed farming, fishing, hunting, camping, snowmobiling, traveling, watching the MN Twins and watching movies. He was a member of the Sno-Saints Snowmobile Club, Calvary Lutheran Church and the American Legion in Red Lake Falls, MN. Most of all he loved the time spent with his grandchildren. He was a volunteer fireman for 20 years.

Bud is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Betty of St. Hilaire, MN; children Peggy Kruse of St. Hilaire, MN, Craig (Mija) Kruse of Brooklyn Park, MN, Guy (Chellie) Kruse of Thief River Falls, MN, Michael (Tracy Townsend) Kruse of St. Hilaire, MN; grandchildren Jessie (Shane) Husby, Angie (Jon) Husby, Ryan (Jenny) Kruse, Corissa (David Carignan) Kruse, Dominic Kruse; great-grandchildren Mia, Cam, Gage, Logan, Lincoln, Emma, Henley, Annabelle; siblings Wayne Kruse, Larry (Bea) Kruse both of St. Hilaire, MN, along with several nieces and nephews; sister-in-law Rita Kruse.

Bud is preceded in death by his daughter Patti, parents John and Goldie, sister Delores Knutson, brother Keith Kruse.

Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com