Donald Fred Kruse

Donald F. Kruse, age 91, of Rembrandt, Iowa died April 25, 2023 at the Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake. Funeral services will take place Monday, May 1, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in rural Storm Lake. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will take place Sunday, April 30, 2023 from 5-7:00 p.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements. Donald Fred Kruse was born on May 9, 1931 to August and Dorathea (Buchholz) Kruse on a farm near Albert City, Iowa. He was baptized, confirmed his faith, and was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church in rural Storm Lake. Growing up, Donald walked to school every day at Lincoln #8 followed by Zion Lutheran School. After the death of his father in 1949, Donald began farming. He worked at the local John Deere dealership for a few winters while his kids were young. On January 24, 1954, Donald was united in marriage to Carol Stern at Zion Lutheran Church. The couple was blessed with seven children: Retha, Renee, Russell, Randy, Ramon, Rhonda, and Rebecca. Donald and Carol cherished time with their family. They looked forward to each family event and were active in their kids and grandkids lives, earning the nicknames “Big D” and “Little C”. Donald served as a board member on the Truesdale Co-op Elevator in Truesdale, Iowa for 16 years. After retirement, Donald enjoyed watching his sons working in the field from his pickup. He was known to drive by the fields, checking the crops during the growing season. In his free time, Donald loved to golf, go bowling and occasionally visit the Wild Rose Casino. He also enjoyed playing cards, completing word search puzzles, and woodworking. He loved being outdoors, fishing and hunting pheasant or deer. You could find Donald meeting with friends in Truesdale over a cold diet Pepsi. He will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him. Donald is survived by his wife, Carol Kruse of Storm Lake, Iowa; children: Retha (Jerry) Wirth of Spencer, Iowa; Renee (Tom) Phillips of Laurens, Iowa; Russell (Sandy) Kruse of Alta, Iowa; Randy (Julie) Kruse of Storm Lake, Iowa; Ramon (Denise) Kruse of Belmond, Iowa; Rhonda (Richard) Archer of Bricelyn, Minnesota; Rebecca (Jeff) Kindwall of Spirit Lake, Iowa; grandchildren: Jayme (Mandie) Richter; Kari (Jeremy Rausch) Richter; DeaDra (Mark) Jeter; Carl (Melissa) Brent; Vanessa (Henry) Harder; Amee Lundberg; Monica Munro; Katie (Brandon) Berkland; Robyn (Patrick) Diekman; Traci (Matt) Beerbower; Trista (Mark) Mikkelson; Tiffany (Tyler) Kruid; Mandi Kruse; Tiffanie (Jay Gray) Kruse; Trista (Brian) Burke; Ryan (Jessica) Kruse; Jessica Greene; Megan (Matt) Spreacker; Allison (Colby Stevens) Lundgren; Kyle Bock; Nash (Samantha) Bock; Shawn (Michelle) Archer; Shannon (Corrie) Archer; Shaina (Ty Watson) Archer; Derek (Kelsey) Kindwall; Riley (Mara) Kindwall; great-grandchildren: Dakota; Kailee; Aubree; Dylan (Alli); Peyton; Gavin; Austin; Evan; Collin; Owen; Evelyn; Caroline; Madison; Abbigal; Drew; Jake; Morgan; Kennady; Hayden; Mia; Braydon; Benson; Cooper; Cora; Austin; Matty; Eastyn; Collins; Jack; Xandra; Sydney; Brennan; Landen; Hunter; Noah; Brody; Braxton; Brayden; Evan; Ellie; Lenix; Kadin; Adyson; Isabella; Braylen; Paige; Bowen; Avery; Parker; Devan; Carter; Hailey; Samantha; Ryder; Carson; Jackson; Nolan; Kezli; Maverick; Waylon; Watson; great-great grandchildren: Bentley; Mia; Kolsen; Alex; Alivia; siblings-in-law: Janice Kruse; Merlin (Bernice) Stern; Audrey Stern; many nieces and nephews, cousins, and extended family. He is preceded in death by his parents: August and Dorathea Kruse; brothers: Wayne (Marion) Kruse; Corwin Kruse; sister: Darlene Kruse; great-great grandchildren: Hannah and Aiden Kruse; and Gage Burke; brother-in-law: Verle Stern; Kenneth Stern; nephew: David Stern; and great-nephew: Justin Stoner.

Donald Fred Kruse

May 9, 1931 - April 25, 2023