Richard J.H. Kruse

Richard J.H. Kruse, age 77, of Cherokee, IA, passed away after a long battle with dementia on Monday, June 26, 2023 at Accura Healthcare, in Cherokee, Iowa. Memorial services will be held Friday, July 7, 2023 at Memorial Presbyterian Church, Cherokee, IA at 11:00 am. Visitation will be Thursday, July 6, 2023 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm at  Greenwood-Schubert Funeral Home in Cherokee. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.greenwoodfuneral.com.

Richard J.H. Kruse, son of Lester H. Kruse and Velma D. Rickers Kruse, was born in Cherokee, IA on June 6, 1946.  He was baptized on October 2, 1949 and confirmed his faith on April 10, 1960. Richard graduated from Sutherland High School in 1964 and University of South Dakota in 1969.  Richard was drafted into the United States Army and served from April 1969 to April 1971 as a Specialist E-5 in Germany. 

Richard met the love of his life, Patricia Jean Gerstandt and they were married on November 26, 1966. They were high school sweethearts, and they were blessed with two daughters, Rychelle and Roxanne.  They were members of Zion United Church of Christ in Calumet, IA for many years before transferring to Memorial Presbyterian Church in Cherokee, IA.  Richard served on the Board of Elders and Trustees.  He also was a member of the Lions Club and Jaycees. 

Richard worked at Dial Finance from July 1971 until April 1972.  He began his career with the State of Iowa (Iowa Workforce Department) in Sioux City, Iowa before transferring to Cherokee and committing 36 years of Dedicated Service and retiring on July 1, 2008.

Richard enjoyed fishing, boating, camping, reading books, working outdoors and detailing cars.  Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family. 

Richard passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at the Accura Healthcare, in Cherokee, IA at the age of 77.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Velma Kruse and parents-in-law, Edward and Erma Gerstandt.

Richard is survived by his wife of 56 years, Patricia Kruse, his daughters, Rychelle (Chris) Boden of Muskegon, MI and Roxanne (Robert) Raveling of Sioux City, IA, his four grandchildren, Trevor Stout, Kaylee Stout, Isabele Raveling and Audrey Raveling, great grandchild, Mabel Stout; siblings, Larry (JoAnne) Kruse of The Villages, FL, Judy (Jim) Ducommun of Larrabee, IA, and Rodney (Carol) Kruse of Orlando, FL, sisters-in-law, Polly (Pat) Blazek of Riverview, Florida and Pam (Gary) Birge of Omaha, NE, other family members and friends.