Verne W. Kruse , 79, 801 65th Street N.W. Minot, died Thursday, August 10, 2006, in a Minot Hospital

Verne was born February 21, 1927, at Haxtun, Colorado, the son of Fletcher and Bessie (Vosika) Kruse. He was raised and educated at Haxtun and Paoli, Colorado, and after completing his education, he assisted with the operation of the family farmstead.

Verne entered into active duty service with the US Navy and honorably served his country from April 24, 1944 until Decemeber 19, 1947. Upon receiving his honorable discharge, he returned to Colorado and joined a threshing crew in Texas and eventually moved to North Dakota.

He was united in marriage to Dorothy Schmelling on December 29, 1949, at Minot.

They have made their home here throughout the years, where he was employed with Terhorst Manufacturing, Atlas Ready Mix, Cummins Diesel, and part-owner of Kruse's Standard Truck Stop. He retired in 1984.

Verne was a member at First Lutheran Church, Minot. He and Dorothy were charter members of the Northern Lights and Second Chance Chapters of the Good Sam RV Club, members of the AARP, and the Scandanavian Heritage Association. He had been a former member of the Minot Moose Lodge, Eagles Aerie, American Legion Post #26, and Sons of Norway.

His hobbies included hunting, fishing, traveling, RVing, woodworking, cooking, playing Mexican Train and spending time with his family.

His loving family includes : Wife of 56 years, Dorothy; Sons: Kenneth (Barbara) Kruse, Minot, and Dennis (Sharon) Kruse of Colorado Springs, CO; Grandchildren: Kristin (Brad) Korgel, Kari (Jason) Peterson, Kendall Kruse, Katrina (Cory) Geyer, Shawn Kruse, Derek Kruse and Kevin Kruse; Great-grandson: Caleb Kruse; Sisters in law: Pearl Hansen, Kenmare, Sharon Wylie, Miami, FL; Brother in law: Kenneth Schmelling, Minot; several nieces and nephews.

Verne was preceded in death by his parents, daughter: Vicki Kruse, brother: Donald Kruse and sister: Carol Hinck.

Funeral Service : Monday, August 14, 2006, at 10:00 a.m. in First Lutheran Church, Minot .
Interment : Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot
Visitation: Sunday from Noon - 5:00 p.m. in the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot
Memorials are preferred to the First Lutheran Church, Souris Valley Humane Society or charity of the donor's choice.