Edward Kruse, 88, a lifelong resident of Traverse City, passed away on Saturday, March 2, 2013 at Munson Medical Center.

Ed was born on July 26, 1924 in Traverse City at this family home. He was the son of the late Peter and Mary (Novak) Kruse.

On July 3, 1948 at St. Francis Catholic Church in Traverse City, he married Dolores (Yanski) Kruse who survives. On July 3 of this year, Ed and Dee would have celebrated 65 years of marriage.

He graduated from Traverse City Central High School in 1942. After graduation, he joined the Navy and proudly served his country in the U. S. Navy from 1943 to 1946 during World War II, stationed in the Caribbean and San Francisco. After returning from the Navy, Ed was employed by Parts Manufacturing, Parsons, and Red Mill Lumber company from which he retired after 39 years of service.

As a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, he not only served as an altar boy, but as an usher for 40 years, and a member of numberous church building committees with Rev. Msgr. Russell Passeno.

Ed was known for his story telling with facts, faces and history of years past; many times retelling the same story over and over again at family gatherings. The kids would say "didn't we hear this story before' with a laugh. Along with story telling, Ed enjoyed fishing on Drummond Island and Canada, his bowling league, golf outings and mushroom hunting. He loved backyard barbeques with his family on weekends.

In recent years, mowing his yard on his riding mower, which he named "Big Red" gave him much pleasure. But most of all, his wife and kids meant everything to him. He was proud of each and everyone of them.

Ed is survived by his wife Dolores, four children, AnnMarie (Dr. Thomas) Plamondon, James (Cindy) Kruse, Nancy Kruse and Shari Kruse; three grandchildren, Alisha (D.J.) Gauthier, Adam Kruse and Lane Plamondon and one great grandchild, Madisyn Gauthier. His sisters, Rosie Derrick of Charlotte, N. C. and Jeannie Solomonson of Traverse City and Florida also survive. Ed is also survived by many other loving family and firends. Ed was preceded in death by his parents Peter and Mary.

The family would like to thank his physicians and medical staff at Munson Medical Center for all of the care and kindness given to Ed and his family during his past and recent stays.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial mass at Immaculate Conception Church celebrating Ed's life will be held this spring in Traverse City. An announcement will be published in the future with details.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider Immaculate Conception Church, 720 Second St., Travese City 49684 or to the American Cancer Society, 129 S. Jefferson, SE Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

Kindly share your memories with the family on their online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .

Arrangement are by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.