Norman Kruse

Kruse, Mr. Norman Frederick Muskegon Norman Frederick Kruse, age 97, was ushered into Heaven, and greeted by his wife, Mary Gertrude, on Wednesday evening, January 27, 2016. She preceeded him in death on August 15, 2011. Survivors include his son Robert N. Kruse (Donna) of Troy, MI and Jan Kruse-McCoy (Merle) of Muskegon and Portage, MI. He is also survived by three grandchildren: Mark and Michelle McCoy, Mike and Luz McCoy and Jeff and Lynn Baker and 9 great-grand children. He is also survived by his personal assistant and very dear friend, Abby Britt (Rob) and their two children. He was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on September 9, 1918 to William and Agnes Kruse, and moved to Muskegon at the age of 3. He loved school, and fondly admitted that he kissed his kindergarten teacher at Nelson Elementary every morning! He was a 1936 graduate of Muskegon High School, and a graduate of Muskegon Junior College (MCC) and Marquette University with a degree in accounting. While at Muskegon High he met the love of his life, Mary Gertrude Lange. They had a long courtship that spanned Lake Michigan while he was a student at Marquette and she was pursuing her teaching degree at Western Michigan College (University). As he always told everyone, he had a gal in Kalamazoo. Of course, it turned out to be one of his favorite songs. On December 7, 1941, Norm and Mary were out picking mushrooms. When they arrived back to Marys home, her Mother told them that the Japanese had attacked Pearl Harbor. Norm quickly enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps, and landed in Casablanca on December 24, Christmas Eve, to the townspeople cheering Joyeaux Noel. After serving, he and Mary were married on March 2, 1946. He began his career as a tax accountant at Sealed Power Corporation (SPX), and was a Senior Vice-President upon his retirement in 1983. Norm was very involved in serving Muskegon as a Muskegon County Commissioner, and a Muskegon City Commissioner. But his passion was serving Muskegon as its Mayor from 1988 - 1993. Norm loved the City of Muskegon. One of his favorite phrases was You dont work FOR me, you work WITH me. And work they did! One of his greatest accomplishments was the planning, building, and opening of Shoreline Drive through downtown Muskegon along Muskegon Lake during his tenure as Mayor. Quoting from an editorial in The Muskegon Chronicle, upon his retirement as Mayor, Muskegons Norman Kruse helped bring his city back from the brink. Kruse took control immediately and brought respect to the office of Mayor and to the commission. Just as importantly he led the fight for an income tax that was critical to restore the level of important city services. If 1993 was the year the city of Muskegon arrived at the crossroads of its fate, then 1993 was the year it made the right turn. Thats because Mayor Kruse was driving. The Mayor didnt do it all by himself, but it is arguable if any of it could have been done without him. He was a dog owner throughout his life and was thrilled when the city re-named Bronson Park Norman F. Kruse Park, one of the few registered dog beaches in the United States, after him. His granddogs have, and will continue, to enjoy that magnificent beach for years to come. He was also very involved with the United Way of the Lakeshore, and was a past President of the Muskegon Shrine Club, the Muskegon Rotary Club and the YFCA. He also served as President of the Muskegon Country Club. Mr. and Mrs. Mayor, as many people often referred to Norm and Mary, were involved in so many groups and organizations in Muskegon that they are too numerous to name. They attended Forest Park Church, where the service will be held at 2 pm on Friday, February 5, 2016. There will be a reception following the service at The Muskegon Country Club. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Forest Park Church or the United Way of the Lakeshore. Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon