Michael Kruse
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Michael Kruse, 72, of Odessa, MO passed away February 19, 2019.
Michael was born December 15, 1946 to Quentin LaVerne Kruse and Helen Ruth Kilgore Kruse. He graduated Raytown High School and enlisted in the US Navy.
Michael served in the US Navy from 1968 to 1970. He served aboard the USS King DLG 10 and was assigned to Yankee Station in the Tonkin Gulf in 1969. Mike received the title of “River Rat” for taking the Navy Seals up the rivers of Vietnam aboard the Navy Assault Support Patrol Boat. Mike received The Bronze Star Medal for saving the life of one of his crewmen after an explosion and fire aboard ship, four crewmen died. Mike went to man the guns when there was an oncoming attack after the fire. Mike received the Bronze Star Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with date, Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal and The Koran Service Medal.
He was survived by his siblings: Karen Kruse Turner of Independence, MO; Donald Richard Kruse of Independence, MO; Raymond Lee Kruse of Lawrence, KS; and Danny L Kruse of Libery, MO.
He was preceded in death by: parents, Quentin LaVerne Kruse and Helen Ruth Kilgore Kruse; grandfather, Sherman A Kilgore; grandmother, Pearl Lee Kilgore – LuAllen; step grandfather, Clarence A LuAllen – Dock; and aunt, Shirley Jean LuAllen Gray.
Was a good neighbor and friend. He was like a uncle to our children. We looked after each other’s property and homes. He came over and ate at all of our holidays Christmas Easter Thanksgiving. We miss him now and he will be missed for a long long time he’ll be in our thoughts forever.
Mike was a good neighbor, quiet kept to himself ,but the day my house caught fire he was the first one to come running ,the guy didnt have much but would give you the shirt off his back ,I knew he was in the military but didn’t know about all the medals he was awarded,its amazing what you learn about a man after hes gone ,he will be sorely missed,RIP Mike
Mike was like an uncle to us. We always loved to sit around the bonfire or dinner table at holidays and listen to his stories. He always knew a good joke and loved everyone deeply. He will truly be missed.
I will carry the memory of you Mike in my heart,my mind for as long as I can,wherever I may go for the rest of my life. I will always remember the love that we had growing up together,playing games,playing sports,running the woods on the farm and protecting each other when we lived in the ghetto neighborhood of the city,yes I will remember you to the end of my days. I pray to Jesus that wherever you are,that you forgive me for anything that I was not able to do for you and that you are wishing me your love. Until we meet again Mike,we are not alone,I love you so,your brother Danny.
Mike was such a cool cat. So very kind and considerate. Our family lived him as one of our own. He loved to tell jokes, sit around the bonfire with a cold beer, and tell stories. He was a fantastic friend and neighbor. If I said he had a heart of gold, I would be understating him. He will be sorely and sadly missed by everyone.
Mike this is Karen, your sister. I know we grew apart but I always loved you. I remember as a little kid you would always watch scary shows and then you would pick me up and act like you were going to throw me into the TV, that would always scare me but now as an adult i think it’s funny. Mike I’m going to miss you and your stories you use to tell at family gatherings. I wish things could have been better for us and that our mother would have lived longer. Things would have been so different. But you’re with mom now, be sure to tell her hi! Rest in peace dear brother, until we meet again.
Love your sister, Karen
Hi mike this is your wife charlotte im so sorry for what happen to us i always loved you but things happen i know i was not a good wife rip mike you in my heart i will see you in heaven one of these days im sorry for everything i done to you my husband
Hi honey this is your wife charlotte kruse I wish you was still alive so we can talk like we use to im sorry for hurting you and I know you for gave me I knew you still love me as your husband when we frist met we had a good life together people make mistake if I was there you would not had died I would take care of you as a wife
and I know down deep in your heart that you loved me mike I miss you so bad I cry and im still crying cause you are gone now and for ever thanks for being my husband i miss going fishing with you but now you are gone you will always be in my heart honey one day i will see you in heaven and we can talk like we use to
Charlotte Kruse your wife
hello uncle that I didn’t know I had I’m Justin Carroll son to Karen. I just read you was somewhat of a military hero that’s amazing and thank you for serving our great republic it means alot to me and more Americans than you could probably imagine wish I could have met you. RIP