Daniel "Buster" F. Kruse

Daniel “Buster” F. Kruse, age 104, of Alexandria, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 26, 2023, at his home in Glenwood Estates.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Alexandria with Rev. John Martinson officiating. Music is provided by Diane Alveshere.  Interment will take place at Evergreen Cemetery, Alexandria.

Visitation is one hour prior to the service.

Daniel Frederick was born on April 6, 1919, to Phillip and Minnie (Doose) Kruse in Wood Lake, Minnesota. He grew up on the family farm and attended country school through the eighth grade, learning the value of hard work and determination from an early age. He started playing banjo in the Kruse family band at the age of 12. Buster's journey led him to work for the Workers Progress Administration (WPA) before he embarked on a new chapter in his life. It was at a local ballroom dance in Marshall where fate intervened, and he met the love of his life, Mary Hanson. They were united in marriage on September 3, 1939, at their pastor's home in Granite Falls. Together, Buster and Mary farmed near Wood Lake until 1948 when they decided to embark on a new adventure and moved to St. Paul. Their journey continued with a subsequent move to Spring Lake Park and, in 1955, they settled in Bloomington. Buster found fulfillment and purpose working for Ford Motor Company for 30 years until his well-deserved retirement. Following retirement, Buster and Mary relocated to Maple Lake near Forada, where they spent 27 fulfilling years. In 2007, Buster and Mary embraced a new chapter in their lives in Alexandria and in 2022, they settled in Glenwood Estates. Buster enjoyed fishing, hunting, and golfing. He also felt enriched by the company of dear friends and the joy of visiting loved ones. He will forever be cherished for his warm smile and gentle humor, which had a profound impact on all those he encountered, making them feel genuinely loved and deeply valued.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary Kruse in February 2023; and siblings; Lorena, Pat, LaVerne, Minnie, and Dick.

Buster is survived by his three sons, David (Elaine) Kruse of Avon, Jerry (Barb) Kruse of Glenwood, and Dennis (Marsha) Kruse of Crossville Tennessee; daughter, Linda (David) Andell of South Minneapolis; sister, Mabel Jensen of Montevideo; brother-in-law, Arden (JoAnne) Hanson of Montevideo; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Serving as casket bearers will be Aaron Andell, Joel Andell, Keith Kruse, Brian Kruse, Paul Kruse, Brad Kruse & Missy Kruse.