JONATHAN EDWARD KRUSE, SR.

Jonathan Edward Kruse, Sr., age 65, thirty-five year resident of Oak Harbor, Washington passed away suddenly on Friday, July 27, 2012.
Jon was born in Chicago, IL, on March 4, 1947, to Clemens George and Merle Beatrice (Steckhan) Kruse. He was raised in the Midwest and graduated from high school in Oskaloosa, Iowa. He attended Olivet Nazarene University, receiving his Bachelor of Arts Degree from that institution. After graduation from college, Jon married Sue Weaver, and then entered the United States Air Force as a Lieutenant, serving as a C-141 pilot during the Vietnam Conflict. He was based at McChord Air Force Base in Tacoma for ten years and was Honorably Discharged as a Captain. He then moved to Oak Harbor.
Jon also attended Pacific Lutheran University, where he received his Master’s Degree in Psychology. He was a successful financial planner for many years. He married Terri Smithey on Sept. 6, 2003. Jon enjoyed a variety of hobbies, including flying, hiking, camping, carpentry, birds and the great outdoors.
Jon is survived by his two sons, Jonathan Kruse, Jr. of Yuma, AZ and Dr. Timothy Kruse (Chris Louis) of Chicago, IL; seven siblings: Clem Kruse (Sandy) of Leesburg, FL; David Kruse of Illinois; Ruth McGee (Frank) of Baytown, TX; Marti Fairfield (Charlie) of Leesburg, FL; Paul Kruse of Jacksonville, FL; Mark Kruse (Toni) of Mesa, AZ and Ila Schmit (Mike) of Oak Harbor; numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. Special mention is made of his fiancée Sylvia Cooper of Anacortes. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clemens and Merle Kruse.
A Memorial Service will be Friday, August 10, 2012, 10:00 AM at Oak Harbor Church of the Nazarene, 1100 W. Whidbey Ave., Dr. Benjamin Norris officiating. A scattering ceremony to which friends are invited will take place later in the day at Colonial Creek Campground in North Cascades National Park. Memorials may be made to Celebrate Recovery, 901 7th St., Anacortes, WA 98221, or to Rice Bowl Ministries, 1514 – M Ave., Anacortes, WA 98221. Friends are encouraged to share condolences at www.whidbeymemorial.com.

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