Frederick H. “Fred” Kruse of Cuba, Missouri was born on July 28, 1940 to Ed and Louisa Kruse and passed away on November 1, 2025 at the age of 85 years.
Fred was a graduate of Bourbon High School, where he was a star basketball player, holding a longstanding record for over 60 years and earning recognition as one of two players to be selected for the all-state first five teams.
On June 27, 1959, he married Janet Rohrer.
Fred had careers in agriculture, manufacturing and machinery. He worked for Oliver Corporation, Ozark Equipment Company, managed two large cattle operations, Fleming Manufacturing, two different paver system companies in Florida, and owned his own business, Rector Tractor, for several years. Fred pioneered designing and fabricating machinery which processed and transported patio pavers. His designs were patented and instrumental in building a successful business in which he was part owner.
Retirement brought Fred back to Cuba, where he enjoyed putting up the hay with his boys, taking care of the horses, checking the cows and spending time with his family. Fred was a lover of the outdoors and had a special way with animals.
He was preceded in death by parents; and siblings, Karen Higgins, Mike Kruse and Chris Kruse.
He is survived by his wife, Janet (Rohrer) Kruse; children, Melissa Kruse, Melanie and K.C. Swope and Ed and Cristy (Kamler) Kruse all of Cuba, Missouri and Jacob and Amanda (Hicks) Kruse of Eureka, Missouri; grandchildren, Jeremiah and Susan Burch, Chris and Melissa Voigt, Paige and Eric Fairbairn, Nick and Katlyn Kruse, Jared and Emily Swope, Erin and Jake Harlan and Logan, Layla, Dylan, Oliver and Charlie Kruse; nine great grandchildren; sister, Ann Kruse; sister-in-law, Patty Kruse; other relatives and friends.
Memorial visitation was held from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, November 14, 2025 at Mizell Funeral Home & Crematory in Cuba, Missouri and from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at the First United Methodist Church in Bourbon, Missouri.
Memorial service was held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at First United Methodist Church in Bourbon, Missouri with Pastor Todd Holman officiating.
Inurnment held at Bourbon Cemetery, Bourbon, Missouri at a later date.
Arrangements under the direction of the Mizell Funeral Home & Crematory in Cuba, Missouri.
