In loving memory of

Clarence W. Kruse
May 27, 1926 - October 23, 2018

Clarence W. Kruse, 92, of Hampton, passed away on Tuesday, October 23, 2018, at the Rehabilitation Center of Hampton.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 27, 2018, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 16 12th Ave NE, Hampton. Visitation will be held Friday, October 26, 2018, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at the Sietsema Vogel Funeral Home, 306 Central Ave E, Hampton, and again one hour prior to the services at the church. Burial will be at the Hampton Cemetery.

Clarence Wesley Kruse was born on May 27, 1926 to Carl and Sophia (Schultz) Kruse.

He was baptized on June 20th, 1926 at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church near Beed's Lake by Pastor E.G. Juengel.

He was confirmed on May 12th, 1940 by Pastor George A. Koch at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hampton, Iowa.

Clarence graduated from Hampton High School in 1943. After graduation he joined the Army and served during World War II.

On June 30th, 1951 Clarence was united in marriage to Ione Ruth Nack of Grafton, Iowa. The marriage took place at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Hampton and was performed by Reverend Arthur F. Lindner. To this union one son was born, Steven. He, Ione and Steven faithfully attended Trinity church services where Clarence served on various boards throughout the years. He also served as usher for almost all of the funeral services in the church since 1948. Clarence served on the Franklin County 4-H Committee, the ASC County Committee and the FHA board of Franklin County. He was a charter member of the Hampton FFA Chapter and a member of the Tall Corn FFA Alumni.

Clarence enjoyed farming and lived on the same farm South of Hampton for 69 years. Clarence and Ione enjoyed the friendships of many good neighbors, friends and relatives. He enjoyed bowling, playing cards and going on trips with his wife. Clarence was a veteran of World War II having served in the Army during the war. He was a proud member of the Hampton American Legion.

On September 7th, 2010 Clarence was privileged to go on the Honor Flight to Washington D.C. He was able to go with his life long Army buddy, Alfred Petzke of Rockford, Illinois. Steven was able to be their guardian on the trip where they viewed the WW II monument and other sites of interest. It was a day of reminiscing for the 89 Veterans on the flight.

Clarence was preceded in death by his wife, Ione on January 24th, 2010, his parents, an infant brother, a sister Velma Fehd, and a brother Leslie. He is survived by his son, Steven, of Mason City, and nieces and nephews, Lois (Gareld) Johnson, Donald Fehd, Marlys (John) Stefl, Rhonda (Bruce) Nordin and Paul (Teresa) Kruse. He is also survived by a niece, Ramona (Al) Meyer and Laurie Nack.


Those planning an expression of sympathy may do so to the Clarence W. Kruse memorial fund.

Tributes

Karen W. wrote on Oct 29, 2018:

"Steve - You know that our Dads are up in Heaven having a great time with Les and Gib!!!! All of them sure make a great team. "

Connie Meinders wrote on Oct 26, 2018:

"I always enjoyed when your Dad & Mom came into the bank it was always good to see them. And he was good to share sweet corn from the farm with me! He will be missed! "

Joni Munson Poppe wrote on Oct 26, 2018:

"I took care of his wife Ione in Mason City and got to know both of the pretty well. They were so in love even after so many years together. I took some pictures of them for i think their 72nd wedding anniversary, we all laughed so hard at trying to get the correct pose. My nickname for Clarence was Trouble cause he always thought he was causing me trouble for asking for help for his wife while in the nursing home. He was anything but trouble, we were good friends him, Ione, and me. May he RIP and enjoy his time with Ione again. "

Rochelle High wrote on Oct 26, 2018:

"It is hard to know which one of us loved seeing each other more. Every Sunday I would anticipate your visit. You made me feel so special, even just being your waitress, you had a way of making my day so much better. I will miss that special smile of yours and that warm handshake. "

Randy D and Susan M Johnson wrote on Oct 26, 2018:

"'Grace mercy and Peace be unto you from God our Father and our dear Lord and Savior Jesus the Living Christ.' Amen... For we know that uncle Clarence lived by Faith and not by sight, he picked up his cross and followed our Lord Daily. For he new his redeemer lives; and remember,' absent from the body now present the Lord.' God Bless you now and always, and ' may the peace that surpass all understanding guard your hearts and minds Christ Jesus.' Amen Randy and Susan Johnson Manhattan, Kansas"

Dale & Trish Kruse wrote on Oct 26, 2018:

"My parents, wife and I always looked forward to seeing Clarence at the reunions. Enjoyed the video seeing his wonderful life. I?m sure he will be missed by so many. Dale & Trish Kruse, son of Edward & Irma Kruse, son of John B. Kruse."

Betty Etnier wrote on Oct 25, 2018:

"Sending our sympathies in the passing of your dad. Your folks and my folks (the Butsons) were neighbors for years. Ed & Betty Etnier"

Paige Seidel wrote on Oct 25, 2018:

"Clarence was a true gentleman. I am going to miss him coming in to my office for a visit. I think when he passed, the Heavens opened and Big Band music filled the air!"

Jean Meyer wrote on Oct 25, 2018:

"Steve your slide show really touched my heart. Both your folks always had a smile on their face. Remember your folks having that car the very back window went down. We all went to Mason for pizza because finished beans in that car."

Jean Meyer wrote on Oct 25, 2018:

"Oh Steve you have my sympathy. Merlin & I had many wonderful memories of your folks and you too of course. Great people. Reunited in heaven. An adjustment for you but they were so proud of you as they should have bee.n. I am unable to join you Sat. But you will be in my thoughts &a prayers. Jean Meyer"

Shelly Sindt wrote on Oct 25, 2018:

"Steve, So sorry for your loss. I'm sure you have many amazing memories of times with your dad and those will comfort you. Thoughts and prayers are with you. Shelly Sindt"

Cathy (Petey Ruby) Petersen wrote on Oct 25, 2018:

"Clarence often shared his summer garden harvest with me. He would leave tomatoes, sweet corn, and other vegetable goodies at my door if I wasn't home. Those gifts were wonderful "treats" for me. Thanks to Clarence and his wonderful garden. Cathy (Petey Ruby) Petersen Cathy (Petey Ruby) Petersen"

Kay and Helene wrote on Oct 25, 2018:

"Sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Helene and Kay"

Bev & Rick Crowell wrote on Oct 25, 2018:

"Steve, So sorry to hear of you dad's passing he will be missed by many. From your stories, he sounded like a super dad and person - sorry we didn't get to know him better."