Richard Eugene Kruse

Richard "Rich" E. Kruse was born at home on November 5, 1929, in Fontanelle, Nebraska, to Otto and Mildred (Langhorst) Kruse. Rich left this world to be with Jesus on June 20, 2018, after a long and painful battle with two types of cancer. His passing was quick and peaceful, with his love and life partner Jan Houchin and his daughter Janet Willmarth by his side. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Marvin and sister Beverly. He is survived by Jan, son John (Laura), daughter Janet (Kretman) Willmarth (Chad), three grandchildren, Jonathan Kretman (Christina), Nicholas and Hannah Kruse, two brothers, David (Arlene), Gordon (Susan), their families, a host of nieces and nephews, Jan's two sons, Craig (Suzanne) and Blake (Lisa), and Jan's five grandchildren, Justin, Shane, Ryan, Lauryn, and Anna.

Rich was hard-working, and a dedicated employee, always providing for his family's needs. In 1989, he moved from St. Paul, MN to Fort Worth TX, to work with General Dynamics, which later became Lockheed Martin, and retired from there in 1996. When his fellow workers found out that he had lived in freezing cold Minnesota for so long before moving to Texas, they teased him about taking such a long time to "Smart'n up"!

He was a veteran and proudly served in the United States Navy during the Korean War.

Rich loved music and could play several instruments. He was a self-taught piano player and loved to share this talent when he could. His biggest thrill was being selected to play for talent night on three different cruises. He also enjoyed playing at retirement homes, weddings, funerals, and functions at First United Methodist Church of Arlington ("FUMCA"), where he and Jan were longtime members. Even if someone didn't know him personally, they knew him by the music that seemed to flow from his fingers. Wherever he played, people (mostly women) gathered around, and Jan used to tease him about his "groupies."

He also enjoyed playing and watching many different sports. Golfing with his dad Otto and son John was one of life's joys for him. He taught his daughter Janet the love of fishing as long as he baited her hook!

Rich would write poems for birthdays and other special occasions that will always be treasured by those who received them.

He and Jan delivered Meals on Wheels. Everyone loved him, and one client affectionately referred to him as "Whistle Britches." When Rich was no longer able to ride shotgun, his clients always asked about him and sent their love.

Rich was always ready with a sweet or corny joke and gentle insight. He was loving and kind to all he met. Even on his last "good day," he had the nurses laughing.

The family is forever grateful to the nurses and staffs at Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital and Community Hospice of Texas for their loving care during Rich's last days. The Final Salute ceremony, which originated at Arlington Memorial Hospital, was so touching and a wonderful tribute to our veterans. Rich would have been so honored!

A Celebration of Life, followed by an Inurnment Service, will be held on September 8, 2018, at First United Methodist Church of Arlington, in Hagler Hall, from 3:00--5:00. This will be a celebration, so no need to dress in black unless you just want to. Rich loved color. He even wore pink shirts -- after all, he was a real man!

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rich's honor to FUMCA, 313 North Center Street, Arlington, TX 76011, or to a charity of your choice.