Final Salute

On January 11, 2023, Donald F Kruse, loving husband, and father of two children passed away at the age of 81.

Don was born April 23, 1941, in Billings Montana to Frank and Lois Kruse. After graduating from Central Valley High, he joined the Navy as a Seabee. Following his time in the Navy, Don worked in the construction industry for many years as a contractor. The last 25 years of his career were spent as a Project Manager for Marriott where he had a long and satisfying history with the A&C Division.

On November 18, 1964, he married Cheri Jewell. In their 58 years of marriage, they raised two children, a son Scott Kruse, and a daughter Dawn-Cherie Kruse.

Don was a master craftsman in woodworking and construction. He built many beautiful pieces of furniture and several beautiful homes for his family over the years. When choosing a new place to live his number one requirement was always how close it was to Home Depot or Lowes because he always had some kind of project he was building. He especially loved the projects for his three grandchildren, such as bike ramps, Halloween costumes, beds, and a clubhouse for their backyard.

Don had a special love for hummingbirds and his family’s pets. He was known for his easy ability to converse with anyone – he never knew a stranger. He loved conversations about history, one of many topics on which he was extremely knowledgeable. He will be remembered for his quick wit and love for teasing others in a fun way. He was extremely hard-working with an exceedingly strong work ethic and was a perfectionist in everything he did. In retirement, he never missed a nap or a Law and Order episode.

Don was preceded in death by his father, Frank Kruse, mother, Lois Kruse, sister, Blanch Steele, and then shortly after Don’s passing his sister, Shirley Payne, passed away.

He is survived by his wife Cheri and their two children. Son Scott, his wife Jennifer, and their three children, granddaughter Charlie, grandson Trace and grandson Gage, and daughter Dawn-Cherie. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, too many to count but very much loved by their Uncle Don.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Don at the Eagles Lodge Spokane Valley, 16801 E Sprague Ave, Spokane Valley, WA 99037 on Saturday, July 8, 2023, from 3 PM-6 PM. We look forward to seeing all of you who can attend to celebrate the life of this wonderful man.

Published by Legacy Remembers from Jun. 12 to Jun. 25, 2023.