John Joseph Kruse

John Joseph Kruse, 55, passed away on May 24th, 2015 at Truman Medical Center surrounded by his 3 children, close friends, Andy and Lisa Bielby, and friend/nurse who cared for him regularly.

John was born in Sioux City, Iowa on April 26th, 1960, to John and Patricia Kruse. He was raised in Yankton, South Dakota where he later graduated from Yankton High School Class of 1978. A few years after graduating, John married and started his family. He worked for Taystee Bread where he quickly began to rise within the company which landed him and his family in Kansas City, Missouri. John decided that Kansas City was the place he wanted to plant their roots, and so he did in the heart of the Midwest. At age 36, John pursued a new career by attending Vatterott College where he obtained his HVAC certification in October of 1996. John worked for Brush Creek Heating and Cooling for many years, and later for Lippert Heating and Cooling.

John had many passions, but family superseded above all. With family, John spent the majority of his summers at the lake camping, boating, fishing, swimming, and taste testing the BBQ any chance he had! There was also a long lived passion within John for muscle cars that he incorporated into his family, as well. Together they built a 1973 Dodge Challenger that they later raced at the track for family fun, and also attended car shows, winning awards such as “Managers Choice”.

It was no secret to those who knew John that his little piece of heaven was Hawaii. John, a.k.a Keoni, made the trip many times with family and dear friends and always brought back the tan to prove it.   John always said “One day I will live there, you watch”.

Music also played a significant role in John’s life. Everything from playing bass guitar to venturing out for some live music, or playing Name that Tune, which he was very good at. It wasn’t uncommon to see John cutting a rug to one of his many favorite songs, and there may or may not have been a garage band at one point in time. (For those of you who are unaware, a garage band is where you grab your nearest yard tool and rock it like it’s the real deal. This was a favorite pastime among family and friends.)

John had so much he wanted to give, not only to his family, but to others. He volunteered his time at the same St. Luke’s Hospital where he was previously a stroke patient many years earlier. John spent numerous motivational hours with individuals, helping them with rehab by giving them the living proof it can be done and there can be good times ahead.

It has been said that John has touched hearts all over the place. This is how we know, not hope, that John is alive more now than ever, especially within those he has inspired. We know a man like John was saved by the mercy and grace of Jesus Christ.

John was preceded in death by his father, John Francis Kruse, who passed away January, 2004. His survivors include his mother, Patricia Kruse; siblings, Mike Kruse, Brenda Aase, Vincent Kruse, Donald Kruse, and Richard Kruse; three children Aaron Joseph Kruse, 34; Rebecca Lee Kruse, 32; and Brandon Vincent Kruse, 31; as well as his two grandchildren, Kylie Marie Collins, 14; and Ian John Kruse, 8; and his loyal companion, Chip, an Applehead Chihuahua.

The family has chosen to have a life celebration in private with immediate family only. We do ask that you join them in prayer and a moment of silence on June 7^th, 2015 at 12:30pm.

If you would like to make a contribution please send to: Truman Medical Center Geriatric at 7900 Lees Summit Road, Kansas City, MO 64139.

If you would like to send flowers, they can be delivered to 5410 NE Oak Ridge Rd, Kansas City, MO 64119 between the hours of 10:00am – 11:45am on Sunday, June 7^th Only.