KRUSE, Clarence W. 1914-2003

KRUSE, MEYER, DIRKS

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 9/10/2016 at 17:08:37

Clarence W. Kruse, 89, of Holland, died December 16 in Lake Havasu City, AZ. Memorial services were January 3 at Bethany Presbyterian Church in Grundy Center. Burial followed at Holland City Cemetery.

Clarence was born March 21, 1914, on his parent's farm in Colfax Township, rural Grundy County, the son of John J. and Elizabeth (Meyer) Kruse. Clarence attended rural country school and later attended Grundy Center High School. On July 21, 1938, Clarence was united in marriage to Mae Dirks at Colfax Center Presbyterian Church.

Clarence started trucking in 1936 until 1948. In 1948, Clarence purchased the Holland Grain Elevator in Holland. He owned and operated the elevator until 1979 when he retired. During those years, Clarence was also involved in many organizations, serving in various capacities. He was a bank director for Farmers Savings Bank for 29 years. Clarence was a founding member of the Holland Community Club, serving as a past president. He was also a councilman for the City of Holland, and also a member of the Holland Fire Department for 32 years. Clarence was a member of Bethany Presbyterian Church in Grundy Center and had previously served as a church elder and trustee.

He is survived by his wife, Mae of Holland; two sons, Roger Kruse and his wife, Pat of Homer, NE and Charles Kruse and his wife Betty of Holland, one son-in-law, Art Henze of Holland; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, two nephews, James and wife Dolores Kruse of Sioux City and Norman and wife Carolyn Kruse of Grundy Center.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Marilee Henze; one grandson, Mitchel Kruse; and one brother, Lucas Kruse.

--The Grundy Register (Grundy Center, Iowa), 1 January 2004, pg 3