Kurt Kruse

Kurt Kruse passed to his eternal home on February 26, 2014. He was the second of four sons born to German immigrants, William and Marie Kruse on May 8, 1930 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Kurt graduated from Indiana University and served in the Air Force. On September 13, 1958 he married Barbara Ellis. They had two daughters, Kristi and Karla. In 1966, they moved to Littleton, Colorado when Kurt was promoted as supervisor of a financial company. Kurt loved to hunt and fish in Colorado. He especially loved the lake home they had on Blue Mesa reservoir, spending time on his boat with family and friends. In 1994, Kurt and Barbara relocated to Albuquerque to be close to their three grandchildren. He enjoyed golfing and attending his grandchildren's sporting events, as well as being active in social organizations and the Sandia Presbyterian Church. Kurt was a fan of all sports including his IU Hoosiers, the Denver Broncos and Lobo Basketball. He and Barbara loved travelling abroad. In May, Kurt attended his 65th high school reunion, which he was instrumental in planning and enjoyed immensely. He was predeceased by his parents, and his three brothers, Herb, Robert and Richard. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Barbara; daughters, Kristi (Brian) Thomson, of Albuquerque, Karla Kruse, of Boulder, CO; and grandchildren, Taylor (Ryan) Enos, Chase Thomson (and fiancée Kacy Rominger), and Logan Thomson, all of Texas. He is also survived by nieces and nephews, sister in law, Ruth Kruse, and cousins, Kurt Wehking and his wife, Helga. The family would like to especially thank the Lovelace Women's Hospital ICU nurses and technicians and Dr. Mario Leyba, along with the countless other friends who were so wonderful to Kurt. Services will be held Saturday, March 29, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Sandia Presbyterian Church, 10704 Paseo del Norte NE. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Watermelon Ranch, 3251 Westphalia Blvd. NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87144, and Kindred Spirits Animal Sanctuary, 3749-A State Rd. 14, Santa Fe, NM 87508 or email kindredspiritsnm@earthlink.net, because Kurt had such a huge heart for animals. FRENCH - Wyoming 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400