Robert Cruse Obituary

Our hearts go out to Dee and the rest of the family. Both Bob and Jon, are at the bar in heaven, enjoying a deliciously refreshing cold OLD STYLE ! Save us all a seat.....Matt

Dee and Family,

Bob was a wonderful man. They sure don't make them like him anymore. Our loss is heavens gain. I know Bob and my Grandfather (Uncle John) are up there having a great time. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you all. As well as all my love

I was only 16 when I first met Bob. (that was 31 years ago) He was working for the 7UP Co. Bob hired me to work at the Brookfield Zoo. The best boss and job any one could ask for. Bob always treated me as if I were part of his family. Bob you were a good friend. I have many fond memories of Bob. He will be missed. My prayers are with the entire Cruse family.

Bob Cruse was not just a person, but a God given gift. I know if it were not for him, I would not be the person I am today.

Jon's death was a real shock to me in which I still have not been able to understand, but I know Bob just knew he needed to go to Heaven to keep Jon from turning the place upside down. Memories are a beautful treasure, but the world is not a better place without them here.

To the Cruse family, my family at heart, my sympathies are with all of you.

We spent many days hanging out in Bob's office at the zoo credit union. While our bosses may have thought we were down there to do business, we where really just hanging with a friend, a mentor and a father figure. We had many laughs and will miss Bob's advice & jokes very much. He was a caring and helpfull man who wasn't afraid to set us straight when we fell off our paths.

Our Prayers go out to the entire Cruse Family

So, I'm on my second tour of duty at BZ, finishing up another evening at Holiday Magic, when I get a call from Bob to stop by his office before I leave. I go there to find Bob, visiting with Keith Magnusen and his wife. After introductions, we settle down for some small talk over a couple of beverages, when Keith asks Bob, "So who's running this zoo, these days?" Bob points right at me and says,"That guy, right there!" And I thought nobody noticed!!!! Thanks for the memories, Bob, and my sympathies to the Cruse family.

Bob,

I will not forget the fun you provided at the Zoo! The days of fun have built memories to share. How can you not light a smile when reflecting on the past conversations. Whether it was blunt humor or your inuendos. You are a good man and a good God Father! You will be missed!

A zillion years ago, this single mom & her 5 kids were the first divorced group in our very Irish Catholic family. Dee & Bob took us under their wings & Bob's humor helped heal the hurts. Thanx cuz!!!

Our Deepest Sympathy to the entire Cruse Family.

Bob's kind heart and his big smile will truely be missed. A great friend to all. Our thoughts are with you in your time of sorrow.

My deepest sympathies to the Cruse family. Mr. Cruse (44 years old and I still can't call my old boss "Bob")was a man with a remarkable sense of humor. There are so many happy memories of working at the Zoo and many of them are possible because of a wonderful boss. He was so very supportive when my father passed away and then when my brother Billy who worked at the Zoo also passed away. He had the remarkable ability to make us laugh sometimes when we thought we couldn't! My mother, EllaMae Kovacic sends her sympathies as well. May he rest in peace.

With love and many fond memories,

Bonnie (Kovacic) Polis

Wow, I thought Jon's passing was difficult....Bob will ALWAYS have a special place in my heart. He will always be a huge part of my fond Brookfield Zoo Visitor Services memories. I particularly remember us having a turkey dinner with all the trimmings at Tonga Hut one Labor Day. Bob was amazed at what that kitchen could turn out! I also credit Bob with encouraging me to return to work at Brookfield Zoo after I briefly left in 1979 to "get rich" working for another employer. (Never was able to retire on what I made at that other company!) I also thank Bob for believing in me when a great job opportunity came up in the Group Sales Department. He even indirectly helped me and my husband Frank meet. I offer sincere condolences to Dee and the entire Cruse family. Bob will TRULY be missed. Maybe we can take some comfort in the fact that Bob is now at peace with son Jon and his co-workers Maureen Zendol, Mary Jo Devereux, Ruth Schoonover, and Estelle Sunter....

My favorite memory of Bob will always be playing Mrs. Claus to his tender and always funny Santa Claus during Holiday Magic. Take care good friend!

My condlences. Cousin Bob always had something for us kids growing up. A joke, a word of encourgement, even a hankie if we needed it. I have great memories of him. There is truly a void now where his smile used to be. My prayer is for comfort to you in your loss.

Tim

The Cruse family will be in our prayers. We have many fond memories growing up with Bob, Dee and the family. The Hogans

Two memories: Bob on the golf cart at the zoo, and Bob and my daughter Jess dressed as clowns at the zoo for Halloween in 1982. He loved kids, people and had the best sense of humor! He will be missed. My sympathy to the whole family.

To the Cruse family,

I'm sorry for your loss. Our entire family has fond memories of Bob as a boss and family friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

I worked with Bob at Brookfield Zoo over 22 years ago.

I'll never forget how much fun he was to be around.

My Deepest Sympathy.

Vince Brock

My heartfelt sympathy to the Cruse family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

I am sorry to hear about Bob. I have good memories of him riding the golf cart at Brookfield Zoo. He always made me laugh with his wit while he checked to make sure "his troops" were taken care of out in the field.

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.