Russel James Kruse

Russel Kruse of Rush City, passed away at his home on Monday, December 8, 2014 at the age of 66.  Russel James Kruse was born on October 28, 1948 in Rush City to Carl & Ruth (Rodblom) Kruse. He was the youngest of three boys. He played in a band called the "Shy Kind" that played at a lot of area schools and establishments.  He graduated from Rush City High School in 1967 and went right back there to work as a custodian, maintenance boiler operator and bus driver. He retired in 2000 after 32 years in the Rush City School District. Russel married Betty Kalb in May 1968 and they had three children and five grandchildren. He was drafted into the Army in March of 1969 and served until 1971.  A Vietnam Veteran with life membership in the Grothe-Jacobson VFW Post #6692 Russel held many positions over the years.  He was Post Commander 1993-1994.  In 1974, he started building his house, east of Rush City, with the help of his father Carl and many other family and friends. Russel married Trudy Nordstrom on December 13, 1975 and his family increased by two children and two grandchildren. Russel enjoyed fishing, hunting and trapping from an early age. He loved animals and had a wide variety over the years. Russel enjoyed traveling and family vacations to many states and locations. After learning of his medical condition Russel wanted to travel more and they became “Arizona snowbirds”, made several trips to Mexico, Vegas, Alaska, London, Paris, Amsterdam and Holland. Russel is survived by his wife Trudy, children: Rhonda (Rodney) Williamson of Pine City, Robin (Loren) Skluzacek of Pine City, Jon Kruse of Vadnais Heights, Rachel (Jesse) Hedtke of Rush City, James Kruse of Rush City; mother-in-law Delight Nordstrom of Grantsburg, WI, seven grandchildren, brothers: Leon (Melody) Kruse of Rush City and Lonnie (Sue) Kruse of Punta Gorda, FL; brothers-in-law: Allan (Mary) Nordstrom of Wasau, WI, Lonnie (Jackie) Norstrom of Grantsburg, WI, Charles Nordstrom of Bakersfield, CA. He is preceded in death by his parents Carl & Ruth (Rodblom) Kruse, his sister-in-law Emily Kruse and father-in-law Arnold Nordstrom.  Reverend John Beck will officiate at a celebration of Russ's life;  4:00 p.m., Friday, December 12, 2014 at the Olson Funeral Chapel in Rush City with a time of visitation one hour prior to the service also at the chapel.  Funeral arrangements for Russel Kruse are entrusted to the Funeral and Cremation Service - Olson Chapel of Rush City  www.funeralandcremationservice.com