Harlen W. "Harley" Kruse

Harlen W. " Harley" Kruse, 83, Herkimer, died Monday, August 5, 2024 at Community Memorial Healthcare in Marysville.

Visitation took place Friday, August 9 from 2-9 p.m. at Kinsley Mortuary.  The family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m.

A funeral service was held at 2 p.m., Saturday, August 10, at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Marysville.  Rev. Jay Williamson officiated.  The pianist was Tam Gordon.  The vocalists were David Heuer, Cindy Heuer and the choir, friends of the Kruse family.  Music included "You Are Mine", "It Is Well" and "God Be With You Till We Meet Again."

The pallbearers were Brandon Kruse, Lance Kruse, Dusty Kruse, Roger Hiesterman, Ryan Hiesterman and Randy Hiesterman.

The honorary pallbearers were Larry Stohs, Jerry Stohs, Marvin Pralle, Travis Mason, Curtis Rengstorf, Gary Wassenberg, Scott Holle and John Snellings.

Burial was in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, north of Hanover.  A luncheon was served at Trinity Lutheran after the burial.  

Harley was born July 19, 1941 to Lavern and Verna (Bormann) Kruse in Bremen, Kan. 

He went to Immanuel Lutheran School, Bremen, and then attended Hanover High School, graduating in 1959.

He left for basic training October 30, 1963, and was discharged October 29, 1965. He was a member of an Army military police unit at Fort Gordon, Ga. and at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

He met Kathy Heuer July 4, 1966; they were married June 16, 1968 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Hanover.

They were blessed with two sons, Wayne and Justin.

After working various jobs such as laying hardwood floors and pumping fuel, he found his true calling at the Herkimer Coop, where he worked for 47 years. Harley enjoyed helping farmers, developing lasting friendships and creating lifelong memories.

After retiring, Harley spent time gardening and sharing his produce with many. He took pride in his yard, and was not afraid to use his sprayer to eliminate weeds. When not outdoors, Harley and Kathy played RACK-O - with Harley winning most of the games. He loved to have every television on in the house, watching all of the news channels (with the sound off). 

Daily, Harley followed a schedule to check the rural water district pumps, and then to pick up breakfast sandwiches to enjoy with Kathy on the front porch.

Granddaughters Lucy, Nora and Charlotte were an added bonus in his life and brightened his days through their activities and many trips to Herkimer. 

Harley was soft spoken, generous and enjoyed life. 

Preceding him in death are his parents; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Walter and Elnora Heuer; his brothers Loren, Merlin, Kenneth and Larry; his sisters-in-law Bernice Kruse and Donna Kruse; and his brother-in-law Jerry Heuer.

Survivors include his wife; his sons Wayne, Marysville, and Justin (Lara), Liberty, Mo.; his granddaughters Lucy, Nora and Charlotte; his sister, Arlene (Dale) Hiesterman; his sisters-in-law Kay Kruse and Nancy Heuer; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Wilbur and Lynette Hormann; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Harley was a member of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church. 

A memorial fund has been established and will be designated later. Contributions may be sent in care of Kinsley Mortuary, P.O. Box 147, Marysville, Kan. 66508.