Keith R. Kruse

Keith R. Kruse, 78, of Genoa, died Thursday, December 4, 2008, in Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Toledo. Keith was born August 5, 1930, in Oak Harbor, Ohio, to Ronald and Elaine Hillman Kruse and married Karen Root in Greensprings, Ohio. Keith was confirmed in Elmore, but was a lifelong member of St. Johns United Church of Christ in Genoa. He was a 1948 graduate of Harris-Elmore High School and served in the US Air Force during the Korean war in Okinawa. Upon his return to the United States, he served with the Turkey Hill Unit ACW in Bellville, Illinois, in crypto. He was a member of the American Legion Post #279 in Elmore. Keith co-owned and operated Kruse Cleaners Coined Laundry with his brother, Dennis Kruse. His parents began the business in 1945, formerly known as Elmore Cleaners. He and Denny bought the business in 1960 and then built in Genoa in 1967 retiring in 2001. Keith loved family life-boating with his family and fishing; and he and Karen loved to travel having visited all of the continental United States. In addition to his lifelong, loving wife, Karen, Keith is survived by his sons, Jeffrey Kim Kruse of Oregon, Mark Lorie Kruse of Genoa and twin daughters, Deborah John Harmeyer of Genoa and Donna Bill Nelson of Oregon. He is also survived by thirteen grandchildren and two great grandchildren, brother, Dennis Kathy Kruse of Genoa, sister, Bonnie Sam Moyer of Elmore, and his special Boston Terrier, Dolly. His parents preceded him in death. Visitation will be 6-9 p.m., Friday, December 5, and 2-8 p.m., Saturday, December 6, 2008, in the Robinson-Walker Funeral Home Crematory, Genoa. The funeral service will be conducted 2:00 p.m. Sunday, December 7, 2008, in St. Johns United Church of Christ, Genoa, with interment to follow in Clay Township Cemetery with full military rites. Memorial contributions for Keith may be given to Hospice of Northwest Ohio, St. Johns UCC General Fund, or the donors choice.