Charles Kruse, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.J. Kruse, died at his home near town this week of that dreaded disease cerebrospinal meningitis. The best medical treatment possible was given him, but nothing could stop the savages of the terrible disease. Where he caught the disease is a mystery, as no one about this place has had the disease for some time. He was buried this forenoon. Many friends of Mrs. Kruse and children sympathize with them in their sad loss of husband and father.
Obituary next week.

October 21, 1909
Charles J. Kruse Buried Last Thursday.
Last Thursday at the Iowa Township Cemetery, Crawford County, the body of Charles J. Kruse was laid away to rest by his friends. It was one of those sad cases where a man in the full strength of years was struck down suddenly, leaving a true wife and three children and other relatives and friends to mourn his untimely death. He was born September 22, 1879. On March 6, 1903, he was united in marriage to Miss Anna Schroeder. The few days he was sick he was quarantined and his relatives and friends were unable to visit him. They were shocked when they learned he was dead. Mr. Kruse was a kind father and husband. He was an active member of the Manning and Three Mile House Schuetzen Verein. His many friends are grieved at his death and sympathize with his family and relatives in their sad loss.

October 28, 1909
After clipping the article concerning the death of Charles Kruse, the editor of the Exira Journal writes as follows:
"For nearly three years the writer lived next door to the J.J. Kruse family. Charley was the grown up son and was married during our stay. In his make up, there was not a vicious atom. His habits were temperate and agreeable. He was ever ready to do a kind act for a friend, day or night. He was different from many young men in and about Manning and Three Mile House for he never became so hilarious and loud as some, although he enjoyed the company of the young. Charley could always be found amongst the older classes enjoying the environments and surroundings.

The good old father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. J.J. Kruse, of whom we pause to say that no better parents ever lived and their teachings to their children was always for the right, will miss their boy who worked so faithfully for them. His wife and young children will miss his kind ministrations of love and tenderness."