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Jon F. Kruse, 74, of Storm Lake died March 4, 2024, at Methodist Manor Retirement Community in Storm Lake after a battle with cancer.
Funeral Mass will take place Saturday, March 9, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Storm Lake. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will take place Friday, March 8, from 6-8 p.m. at Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake with a vigil service at 7:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the local Buena Vista County Ducks Unlimited c/o Travis Bethune: 1868 600th St., Newell, IA 50568.
Jon Freddy Kruse was born Aug. 5, 1949, at Spencer Municipal Hospital to John and Fredricka (Shepard) Kruse of Marathon. Throughout his school years, Jon was active in sports and music. He graduated from Marathon High School then went on to attend Buena Vista University in Storm Lake. He graduated with a double major in math and physics, an Iowa teaching certification and a minor in accounting.
Jon was united in marriage to Colleen Reis on Sept. 11, 1969, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Storm Lake. They were blessed with three children: Lance, Kimberly and Gregory.
From 1975 to 2000, Jon worked at Bil Mar Foods in Storm Lake where he started as supervisor then plant engineer. In 2000, Jon began his career with Walling Water Management of Sioux Falls, S.D. He retired in 2012. In 2014, Jon began his next venture as owner and operator of Lake Inspection Service, LLC. He also acquired his Iowa Substitute Teacher License and enjoyed teaching all ages.
Jon will be remembered for his leadership roles and contributions to the City of Storm Lake. He served as a Storm Lake City Council member for 10 years and Storm Lake mayor for 18 years, with his last term ending on Dec. 31, 2017. Jon served as president of Northwest Iowa League of Cities, member of Northwest Iowa Planning and Development Commission, chairman of the Buena Vista County Emergency Management Commission, and chairman of Buena Vista County Trails Advisory Council. He also served as president of Rotary International.
Jon was an outdoor enthusiast. He enjoyed all types of hunting and fishing, trapping, camping, boating and wildlife viewing. Jon also enjoyed volunteering for various organizations, including the Buena Vista Swan Restoration Committee and Ducks Unlimited. He played an integral part in the startup of the Walleye egg gathering in Storm Lake with Iowa DNR Fisheries Biologist Lannie Miller. He continued to help with netting and egg harvest for over 30 years. Jon’s service to his community will never be forgotten.
Left to cherish Jon’s memory include his beloved wife Colleen Kruse; children: Lance (Stacey) Kruse, Kimberly (Joe) Gaubatz and Gregory (Crystal) Kruse; grandchildren: Damon (Shelby) Kruse, Garrett (Skylar) Kruse, Wyatt Kruse, Gabby Gaubatz and Grady Gaubatz; great-grandchildren: Emery, Ava, Ivy and Leo Kruse; brother Barry Kruse; sister Cindy (Eric) Parrish; numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Fredricka (Shepard) Kruse.
