Frederick Kruse

Frederick Arthur Kruse was a loving husband and father and a loyal friend. He dedicated himself to his family, his work and his community. He volunteered extensively and looked for ways to make life just a little bit better. His love of reading and adventure sent him traveling to interesting sites all over the world. Still, it was the joy of home and family that drew out his energy and fueled a lifetime of service. Frederick Arthur was born June 21, 1928 in Leelanau County, Michigan at a time when America was rebuilding its economy after the First World War. The nations can-do spirit was reflected in Charles Lindberghs solo flight across the ocean, Henry Fords mass production of the automobile, and the Suffrage Movement that won women the right to vote. In 1931, Frederick was adopted by Dr. Arthur and Anne (Haw) Kruse, their only child. His father was a dentist in Muskegon and his mother was a teacher for newcomers to America. She worked with families migrating to Muskegon and taught them English and Citizenship. The family home on Clinton Street was across from Hackley Hospital, and Fred attended McLaughlin School and then Muskegon Junior High. When his father died, Fred became the man of the family at age 14, and he took his responsibilities seriously. Fred first worked as a paperboy and often took his dog Count with him on his route. As a teenager, he landed a job loading blocks of ice onto trains, worked at Hardy Herpolsheimers department store and secured an internship with Sealed Power. He was well on his way to an enterprising career when he graduated from Muskegon High School in 1946 and then attended Muskegon Community College. He earned a degree in business from Ferris State College, and at the same time, he began a relationship that would impact his future for years to come. Fred and Mary Jane Nussdorfer first met at the Occidental Hotel Candy Shop, and they dated off and on. They especially like going to hear and dance to the Big Bands at Fruitport Pavillion and other area dance halls. Eventually the romance became serious and they made their commitment to each other in marriage on November 4, 1950 at First Congregational Church in Muskegon. The times being as they were, Fred enlisted in the US Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He was stationed in Denver, then Las Vegas and finally Tripoli, Lebanon. Jane moved to Denver with Fred, and that was where their daughter Pamela was born in 1951. Mother and daughter went back to Muskegon when Fred was in Tripoli, and he joined them after his military service was over. The little family settled on Seminole Road in Norton Township where their son Greg was born in 1959. As a family, they attended First Congregational Church, and Fred became very active as the leader of the youth group and as an usher, to name a few of his contributions. As for his work life, Fred took a job in sales at Sealed Power and eventually became the Traffic and Logistics Manager for the company. He retired in 1986 after more than 30 years of valued service. His volunteer activities included serving on the Planning Commission for Norton Township and as a member of the Young Republicans. He served on the board at Red Cross and was and Old Newsboy for over 30 years. With Jane, he volunteered at Hackley Hospital Cherry Guild Gift Shop as well. Freds service to his community was matched by his energy for his family and friends. When the family moved back to Freds old house on Clinton Street after his mother died in 1962, they had a pool built in the back yard. It was a source of endless hours of fun for friends and neighbors as they gathered for pool parties in summer and potlucks at other times of the year. Fred and Jane formed strong relationships with a great group of friends and, later in life, they went traveling together. The Kruse family also took memorable vacations to such places as the New York Worlds Fair, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and the French Lick Resort in Indiana. In 1973, they bought a home in Fruitland Township on White Lake where Janes sister had a cottage next door. They loved living on the lake, and the two families had the best of times whether swimming or boating in Freds Frigate. During those years Fred was also a member of White Lake Golf Club. In retirement, Fred and Jane traveled once again, taking trips to Alaska, Hawaii and Europe and cruising the Caribbean and the Panama Canal. In 1999, they moved back to Muskegon and settled into a condo in Harbortown. As Viking Lodge members and a past Chief, they particularly enjoyed tending bar at the Club and volunteering at Summer Celebration. Not surprising for Fred, who gave himself to whatever captured his interest. In his later years, Fred battled melanoma, but he lived with it and kept going. Then in recent months, cancer was discovered in other parts of his body and the disease soon took his life. Mr. Frederick A. Kruse, age 85 of Muskegon, Michigan, died Friday, December 13, 2013. He will be remembered as was wonderful father and husband and a dear friend to many. SURVIVORS: Wife Jane; son, Gregory Kruse: daughter, Pamela (Al) Ruggirello, Grandchildren, Anthony (Katie) Ruggirello and Michael Ruggirello; special nephew and nieces, Gary (Rosemary) Charles, Nikki (Dave) Elrod and Lynn (Brad) Jacobs; sister-n-laws, Donna Seastrom and Dorthea Schrock. SERVICE: Wednesday, December 18, 2013, 11:00 AM at Clock Chapel with Rev. Timothy D. Vander Haar officiating. VISITATION: One hour prior to the service at the funeral home. MEMORIAL: Viking Linne Lodge Scholarship fund or Burn Camp or First Congregational Church Memorial Fund.