Robert Kruse's Obituary
Robert Douglas Kruse, 76 of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, beloved husband, dad, and grandpa, passed from this life on Monday, July 8, 2019 in Catoosa, Oklahoma. Bob was born January 10, 1943 in Winona, Minnesota to his parents, Ben Kruse and Pauline Kruse. He grew up in Ryan Park, Wyoming, where he attended school in a one-room school house, and spent his days fishing and developing a life-long love of the mountains. He moved to Saratoga, Wyoming in high school, and participated in wrestling and track. After high school, he attended the University of Wyoming and earned his bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. While there, he met Marilyn Birch Kruse. They were married for 16 years and had 4 children—Brian, Jennifer, Brad, and Julie. Bob’s life took many interesting turns, with earning his master’s degree in hospital administration, working at various healthcare facilities, and moving around the country, until he finally found his soul mate, Lola Wilson Kruse. The two married on October 3, 1992 in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Their fairytale love story resulted in a beautiful blended family with 7 kids and 18 grandchildren. Bob developed his entrepreneurial spirit, and started many successful companies with Lola, until his retirement.Bob is survived by his loving wife, Lola Kruse; four sons, Brian Kruse of California, Brad Kruse and his wife Jennifer of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Brett Dausses and his wife Robin of Edmond, Oklahoma and Brad Dausses and his wife Emma of Cedar Park, Texas; three daughters, Jennifer Balls and her husband Brian of Heber City, Utah, Julie Clements and her husband Dusty of St. Paul, Minnesota, and Lynn Hawley and her husband Grady of Overland Park, Kansas; eighteen grandchildren; two sisters, Sheila O’Neil and her husband Doug of Eagle, Idaho and Diane Hickey and her husband Ken of Nampa, Idaho, and many friends and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Pauline Kruse and one sister, Rita.Bob, lovingly known as Dad, Pawkey, and Papa, loved spending time working on his and Lola’s “Living the Dream” property, Tranquility Hollow, getting his jeep stuck, fulfilling his lumberjack dreams, sorting totes, and sharing his wisdom. He not only never met a man he didn’t like, but everyone who met him liked him! He set an incredible example of patience, love, and putting family first. He will be missed in this life, but his legacy of love and kindness will live on.A memorial celebration will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 14, 2019 at Floral Haven’s Rose Chapel with Bishop Brad Mons officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Shriner’s Hospital or St. Jude’s Hospital.
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