Lester F Kruse

Lester F. Kruse August 6, 1931- March 7, 2018 Rushing into the arms of his personal Savior, Lester F. Kruse passed from this life after a brief illness at the CHP Inpatient Hospice Care unit in Defiance, Ohio. Though his ties to his beloved family were strong, he now safely reclines in the arms of Jesus and His grace and love. Lester was born to George Kruse, Sr. and Rufina (Buchhop) Kruse in his family’s home. He was a baptized and confirmed member of Emanuel Lutheran Church in Napoleon. He married Marilyn (Dickman) Kruse, his wife of 66 years, on November 24th, 1951 at Emanuel as well. He served as a proud member of the United States Army at Camp Polk, Louisiana, during the Korean Conflict and is a member of American Legion Post 300. He served in various capacities in the car industry after, but spent most of his working career as Parts Manager at Wood’s Auto Supply, now Napa Auto Parts, Napoleon. He proudly worked as a greeter at Rodenberger Funeral Home for the past six years. Lester’s first love was his family and he enjoyed attending sporting and other extracurricular activities of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. An avid fan of various sports, he followed the Napoleon Wildcats, Detroit Tigers and Detroit Lions from an early age. Anyone who knew Lester also was well aware of his love for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Saturdays and Sundays in his home were always filled with the sounds of sportscasters from radio or television covering his favorite teams. He also enjoyed coaching Little League baseball and spent many seasons inspiring young boys, including all of his grandsons, as they played for the Orioles Little League Team. Until recently, he occasionally helped keep stats for his great grandson’s baseball team. Lester was a lover of all kinds of music. Whether it be an old familiar Lutheran hymn, or the lyrics of a popular German waltz or polka…to the musical lyrics of ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ or to the popular songs of the times, you could hear his beautiful singing voice in unison with the radio or a popular YouTube video. Up until quite recently, you might hear his voice as he sang on a Sunday morning church service at Emanuel Lutheran. His love for music was also reflected on the dance floor. He had a keen sense of rhythm. When he danced with his wife, Marilyn, they would glide across the floor as others watched uniquely timed dance moves. Surviving are his wife, Marilyn, and his children: Rick of Maumee, Ohio; Randy (Lisa) and Lisa (Terry) Funchion, both of Napoleon. In addition, he leaves behind seven grandchildren: Benjamin and Trevor Kruse, Courtney, Sara, and Jordan Kruse and Ryan (Hannah) and Jenna Funchion; and great-grandchildren Caden, Camiren Kruse, Trey Allen, Kayne Kuhlman; and Jack and Evie Funchion. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, George, Jr., and his two sisters, Elaine Johnson and Joan Cobb. Funeral Services for Lester will be held Saturday, March 10 at 11:00 AM at Emanuel Lutheran Church. Visitation will be held at Rodenberger Funeral Home, Napoleon on Friday March 9 from 2:00-8:00 PM and Saturday from 10:00-11:00 at Emanuel Lutheran Church. Lester’s final resting place will be at the Riverview Memorial Gardens, Defiance, Ohio. The family suggests memorial donations be made to Emanuel Lutheran Church or CHP Hospice. Online condolence may be made at www.rodenbergerfuneralhome.com.

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Lester F Kruse

August 6, 1931 - March 7, 2018