Charles E. Kruse was born September 14, 1931, the son of Edward J.H. and H.S. Henrietta (Jentzen) Kruse. He passed away Monday, April 2, 2012, at the Crawford County Memorial Hospital in Denison, Iowa, at the age of 80.

Charles was born in Manning, Iowa. He was baptized in Christ at Zion Lutheran Church in Manning, Iowa, on October 18, 1931, and later confirmed there on February 20, 1949. He grew up on a farm in rural Aspinwall, Iowa, and received his education in the Manning Community Schools graduating with the class of 1951. After graduation, he worked on a farm south of Westside. Charles was united in marriage to Lois Hecht on April 24, 1955. The couple moved to Lois' family farm northwest of Schleswig and were blessed with the birth of four children. Charles farmed and also worked at IBP in Denison from 1963-67. The family farmed west of Schleswig from 1957-1970 and then they moved to a farm west of Vail until 1973, before moving to Denison where Charles began working for Nixon Feeds and then Coop Feeds. In 1975 they returned to the country, moving to a farm west of Denison. In 1980 Charles began employment at Denison Job Corp and worked there for 18 years. He also held part-time jobs as a WalMart greeter in 1998, drove school bus for Denison Community Schools, and worked at Family Medicine on the janitorial staff from 2000-2006 until he retired.

Charles and Lois enjoyed vacationing in Branson and also fishing trips to Minnesota. His favorite card game was Canasta and his favorite music to listen to was polka. Charles liked to work with his hands, keeping busy with little projects in his garage. He not only liked to watch rodeos and professional bull riding on television, but was also able to attend nearby rodeo events too. Charles was a serious collector of John Deere toy tractors.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Lois; three daughters: Darlis and her husband, Bernard; Rhonda; and Lisa and her husband, Richard; one son, Dean and his wife, Vicki; eleven grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; two great-grandchildren on the way; one brother, Gene and his wife, Beverly; one sister-in-law, Florence; many nieces; nephews and cousins.

Funeral services were held 11 A.M. Thursday, April 5, 2012, at the United Presbyterian Church in Denison, Iowa. Rev. Paul Seefeldt officiated the service and graveside rites held at the Manning Cemetery in Manning, Iowa. Organist Ann Voggesser provided accompaniment for congregational hymn "Here I Am Lord." Other selections played included "Angels Among Us," "Grandpa Tell Me 'Bout The Good Old Days," and "I Can Only Imagine."

Honorary Pallbearers were Stacy Bald, Kira Moore, Larie Martens, Jenna Ettleman, LeAnn Martens, Marla Martens, Devin Kruse, Amanda Kruse, Dean Kruse, Jr., Candas Kruse, Nicole Kruse, Nolan Bald, Collin Bald, Morgan Kruse, Kloie Moore, Kerrigan Kruse, Paityn Moore, Savannah Schuk, and Heather Kruse.

Serving as Pallbearers were Jeremy Kruse, Rob Martens, Billy Moore, David Bald, Tyler Ettleman, William Kruse, and Britton Koval.

Following the service the family invited everyone to remain at the church for fellowship and lunch provided by the Presbyterian Women. The Huebner Funeral Home in Denison was in charge of arrangements.