Ronald Adrian Kruse

Ronald Adrian Kruse, age 84 of St. Clair Minnesota, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2024, surrounded by family. He was born in Mankato on March 13, 1940, and lived on the family farm all his life.

A visitation will be held from 4-7pm on Wednesday, September 4th at Woodland Hills Funeral Home in Mankato. Funeral Mass will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St Clair on Thursday, September 5th, at 11:00 am.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.

Ronald was the fourth child of Leo Kruse and Edith (Hollmichel) Kruse. He grew up on the farm and attended school in St. Clair with the graduating class of 1958. Following high school, he went to college and then joined the US Marine Corps in 1960. After his time in the service, he returned home to run the family farm. Ronald married Jean Ann (Hermanson) Kruse on September 6, 1961. They celebrated 63 years of love and marriage.

While raising 5 children, they enjoyed many family adventures, including activities with “The Group” of close friends. Camping, snowmobiling, boating, water skiing and family vacations captured his time when he was not working on the farm. Ronald’s principles were “work hard, play hard.” He raised hogs and grew crops until his retirement. Ronald was an Immaculate Conception Church trustee for many years, supporting his church and the community.

After retirement, Ronald and Jeannie continued to enjoy traveling the world, including a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. They spent time in their winter home in Mesa, Arizona for over 20 years; Ronald was always known as the “handy man” on the street. In the summer, he enjoyed helping on the farm and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ronald enthusiastically collected model tractors. He had an outstanding collection that he relished showing to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ronald loved attending tractor shows and talking about the latest International Harvester equipment.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his three sisters: Vera Sullivan, Dolores Goettl, and Carolyn Hendrick.

He is survived by two brothers, Charles and Harold, his 5 children: Ricky (Leslie) of Ham Lake, Daniel (Doreen Lupo) of St Clair, Tamara (Steve Hatten) of Prior Lake, Barbara Muellerleile (Jim Johnston) of Lakeville, and David (Denise Larson) of St Clair, 17 grandchildren,18 great-grandchildren, multiple nieces and nephews, and many friends.

“To the world you are a dad, but to our family you are the world”