Richard Paul Kruse

Richard Paul Kruse

RAPID RIVER — Richard Paul Kruse, 85, of Rapid River passed away peacefully following a short battle with cancer at his home in Rapid River on Tuesday, September 24, 2024. He was born February 21, 1939 in Fort Wayne, Ind. and was the son of Walter and Lucille (Morrison) Kruse. Dick graduated from Shorewood High School in Milwaukee. He married the former Sharon Ruth Erickson on September 16, 1967 in Milwaukee, Wis. Richard served his country in the U.S. Air Force from September 1, 1961 until he was honorably discharged on August 23, 1965. In 1977 Dick started RK Motor and Marine in Milwaukee, a car and boat repair business. Richard and Sharon moved to Rapid River in 1999 and loved living on Lake Michigan, boating on his boat “The Good Outlook” and enjoyed learning about solar energy. He was of strong faith and loved to share his faith with others. Dick was devoted husband and a treasured and loving father.

Richard is survived by wife, Sharon; Tammy Kruse (Mark) Erickson, Greg Kruse, and Diane Kruse Smith; grandchildren, who knew him as “Pops,” Aspen Erickson (Chris) Verink, Austyn Erickson, and Dayton (Stephanie) Erickson; great-grandchildren Ellison and Emmaline Verink.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by son-in-law, Scott Smith.

Burial will take place in the Southern Wisconsin Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove, Wis.

The Anderson Funeral Home of Escanaba and Gladstone are assisting the Kruse family with the arrangements and online condolences can be sent to the family at www.andersonfunerlhomes.net.