Charles Leo Kruse

CHARLES LEO KRUSE, age 90, of St. Clair, died on Sunday, May 4, 2025 at Pathstone Senior Living in Mankato.

Born on June 16, 1934, in rural St. Clair, he was the son of Leo and Edith (Hollmichel) Kruse. Charles was raised on the farm and at a very early age developed a strong work ethic. He was a 1952 graduate of St. Clair High School. Charles helped his father on the farm until he served his country in the United States Army with the Chemical Corp. He was united in marriage to Jeanette Ulmen on May 31, 1960 at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Mankato.

Charles farmed in the St. Clair area, raising hogs, farrow to finish, and crops until his retirement in 2002. Charles will be remembered for his ability to fix anything and everything on the farm. He loved to travel, play cards, socialize with family and friends, polka dance, listen to old time music and attend fiddle contests.

Charles leaves behind memories to be cherished by his wife of 64 years, Jeanette; his children: Dale, Steve (Lynda), Kevin (Michelle) and Diann (Bill) Ward; seven grandchildren: Bradley (Gin) Kruse, Kendra (Matt) Ryan, Derek (Carly) Kruse, Maria Kruse, Elijah Kruse, Charles Ward and Morgan (Brody) Hanson; three great grandchildren: Neva Kruse, Jett Ryan, and Willow Hanson. He is also survived by his brother, Harold (Becky) Kruse of Janesville; sister-in-law, Linda (Ed) Schweiss; several nieces and nephews other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sisters: Vera Ann (Jerry) Sullivan, Dolores (Kenneth) Goettl and Carolyn (Jack) Hendrick; brother, Ronald (Jeannie) Kruse; sisters-in-law: Kathleen Tharp and Dorothy (Jim) Cain.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:30 AM on Friday, May 9, 2025, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. Clair. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM on Friday and continues until the time of the service at the church.