Vernon August Kruse

Vernon August Kruse, 90, passed away Wednesday, March 7, 2018, at the St. Clare Living Community in Mora, MN.

Vernon was born on February 26, 1928 in Pine County to Casper and Dora Kruse.  Upon graduating high school, Vernon began working on the family farm with his father, where he continued to farm with his son, Curt, until fire destroyed the barn in October 1991. He continued to crop farm until his stroke in September 2007. Vernon married Larayne Greenley on Oct. 1, 1950 and they were happily married for 57 years until her passing. He was very active in several community groups and was a member of the Pokegama Township Board for over 30 years, the Pine City Area Lions, the Board of Directors for the Pine City Co-operative for 21 years. Vernon was the recipient of the Helen Keller Award and the Melvin Jones Award.

Vernon was a wonderful friend, grandfather, father and husband and will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Vernon is survived by his children; Stepson Gene (Mary) Roth of Conway, Washington; Crystal (Lyle) Mattison of Richmond, Kentucky; Deborah Mosher of Pine City; Curt (Jody) Kruse of Pine City; Kay (Jeff) Wimmer of Pine City, and Scott (Lisa) Kruse of Concord, NC; 15 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Larayne, daughter Sherry Erickson, parents Casper and Dora Kruse, sister Laura Kruse and brothers, Carl, Alfred, Ervin, Fred and Gordon.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 16, 2018 at 11:00am at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church of Pine City. Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 15th from 4:00–7:00 pm at Swanson Funeral Chapel in Pine City and one hour prior to the service at the church.  Interment with full military honors will be in Birchwood Cemetery of Pine City.

In lieu of flowers, the family will be donating to the Veteran's Administration and other charities.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the:  Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City, Swanson Chapel.  www.FuneralAndCremationService.com