William L. Kruse

GUTTENBERG, IOWA

William (Willie) L. Kruse, 80, of Guttenberg, Iowa passed away Sunday, December 31, 2023 at his home.

Visitation will be held from 3 – 8 p.m., Monday, January 8, 2024 at Morris Funeral Home in Guttenberg. Visitation will continue from 9 – 10 a.m., prior to funeral services.

Funeral services will commence at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at Morris Funeral Home in Guttenberg. Burial will follow at Guttenberg City Cemetery where military honors will be accorded. Deacon Mike Timmerman will officiate.

Bill was born on April 8, 1943 in Garber, Iowa, the son of William and Mildred (Hammond) Kruse. He married Janet (Torrey) on October 18, 1969 at St. John’s Church in Guttenberg, Iowa.

Willie was a proud veteran who served his country with the Army in the Vietnam War as a combat engineer. He held a variety of jobs in various local factories until he started working for the City of Guttenberg mainly as a custodian/maintenance man in the Municipal Building. He held this job for many years until he retired. He was a member of the Guttenberg Eagles Club where he spent his time playing cards and meeting old and new friends. He never met a stranger, just a friend that he hadn’t met yet. He was a lifetime member of the VFW and a member of the American Legion. He also enjoyed spending time at Lakeside Ballroom, fishing, hunting mushrooms and ginseng, and playing cards. One recent highlight in his life was having the opportunity to go on the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. in 2022 with his son, Brad.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Janet; three children: Brad (Amy) Kruse of Asbury, Brian (Kathy) Kruse of Nashville, TN, and Joann (Jason) Sims of Urbandale; five grandchildren: Elizabeth, Sophia, Jade, Brexton, and Trey; sisters: Dorothy Hansel, Maxine Kruger, and Kay Bolsinger; in-laws: Harvey (Karen) Torrey, Cheryl Torrey, Dianne Torrey, Merlin (Judy) Torrey, Lyle (Marie) Torrey, Kevin (Diane Torrey) and Bob (Kathy) Torrey.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his mother- and father-in-law, Gracie and Harold Torrey; brother, Irvin Kruse; brothers-in-law: Loen (Jump) Hansel, Clair Kruger, Jimmy Bolsinger, Roger Torrey, Gary Torrey, and Steven Torrey.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in care of Janet Kruse.

The family would like to extend a special Thank You to the VA Hospital in Iowa City, the University of Iowa Hospital, and Care Initiatives Hospice staff Angie, Mike, Vicki, Tiffany, and especially, Trisha.

Morris Funeral Home in Guttenberg is assisting the family and information is available at www.morrisfuneralhomes.com. Memorials may be sent to Morris Funeral Home (in care of the deceased) 207 South 1st St, Guttenberg, IA 52052.