A Celebration of Life Service to honor the life and legacy of David Kruse, age 71, of Bingham Lake, will be held Thursday, November 13th at 11:00 AM at LaCanne Family Celebration of Life Center in Windom.

A visitation for David will be held Wednesday, November 12th from 4:00 – 6:00 PM at the LaCanne Family Celebration of Life Center in Windom. Visitation will continue there on Thursday, November 13th for one hour prior to the service.

David Evert "Dave" Kruse was born on September 3, 1954, to Evert and Norma Jean (Kinkade) Kruse in Spirit Lake, Iowa. He grew up in Fulda, Minnesota and attended Fulda Elementary and High School until the family moved to Windom. Dave graduated from Windom High School in the Class of 1972.

With parental consent, Dave enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 17 years old. He completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and received specialized training in circuits and telephone systems. He was stationed for one year in Okinawa and was honorably discharged from Fort Huachuca, Arizona.

During his military service, Dave met Vickie Lovell, and the two were married on May 18, 1976, in Sierra Vista, Arizona. The couple was blessed with three children, Nancy, Karen and Mikel, and the family made their home in Bingham Lake. Dave worked for Caldwell Packing for 32 years, beginning in butchering and eventually working in a supervisory role. In 2010, Dave took a job as a welder at Toro, where he worked there for seven years. Dave served his community as a member of the Bingham Lake City Council for five years and volunteered with the Fire Department for five years.

Dave cherished family time with his kids, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He had a wonderful sense of humor and an unforgettable laugh. Dave enjoyed working with his hands making loom rugs, beading, cross stitch and leather work, which were often made for people and gifted to family and friends. Dave loved being outdoors and especially enjoyed camping, building bonfires, yard work and caring for his property.

On Friday, November 7th, Dave passed away peacefully at his home in Bingham Lake, surrounded by family.

Left to cherish his memory, are his wife of 49 years, Vickie Kruse, of Bingham Lake; children, Nancy Kruse (Chris Flores) of Brewster, Karen Kruse (Andy Tjentland) of Storden, and Mikel Kruse of Bingham Lake; four grandchildren, Elizabeth Kruse, Michelle (Clay) Grooms, Mackenzie Wilson and Leif Tjentland; four great-grandchildren, Alex, Reid, Luna and Ophelia; siblings, Kirby (Char) Kruse of Princeton, Betty Wehking of Janesville, and Janet Wehking of Fulda; as well as other relatives and friends.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Joseph Kruse; and brothers-in-law, Elvin Wehking and Roy Wehking.