John LeRoy Kruse
Born: August 28, 1957 in Napoleon, OH
Died: September 12, 2024 in LaMoille, IL
LaMoille - John LeRoy Kruse, departed peacefully on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at his residence in LaMoille, IL, surrounded by the warmth of his family.
John, also known as "Popo" John, was born in Napoleon, OH, on August 28, 1957, to the late James and Ruth (Ammon) Kruse. He was confirmed in Christ on April 4, 1971. He was a graduate of Pettisville High School, Class of 1975. He also attended Four County Joint Vocational School.
He married his Babydoll, Mary Kay Weirauch on March 5, 1977 in Wauseon, OH. There they embarked on a life together working and raising their family and sharing stories of adventures. John worked at the Wal-Mart Distribution Center from 2006 to 2024. Prior John worked for Schwan's Home Service from 1988 to 2004.
He enjoyed working on cars, he could fix just about anything. He became quite the woodworker, a hobby he really enjoyed and gave him so much joy. Nothing could compare to spending time with his family, especially the grandbabies. He loved being a mentor to anyone who would listen. There was always certainly a joke to be found in most conversations, quite the funny man he was.
Surviving John, his wife of 47 plus years, Mary Kay Kruse of LaMoille, IL; four children, Benjamin Kruse of Sterling, IL, Tambreah Kruse-Carter of Tiskilwa, IL, Julian (Ashleigh) Kruse of Princeton, IL and Mackenzie (Cristin) Kruse of Princeton, IL; twenty-three grandchildren and three great grandchildren; two sisters, Betty Elling of Wauseon, OH and Toni (Chris) Neuenschwander of Archbold, OH; 2 sisters-in-law, Joetta (Tom) Henry of Defiance, OH and Arlene (Dave) Agler of Napoleon, OH; brother-in-law Clarence Weirauch of Liberty Center, OH; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
John was preceded in death by one daughter Randi Kruse, his parents, James and Ruth Kruse, one sister Mary Jo Britt, two brothers-in-law, a nephew, and his beloved pets Blackjack and Tinker.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for charitable disbursement.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 19, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments. Viewing will also be offered 1 hour before the funeral services.
Funeral Service will take place on Friday, September 20, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Hollowayville United Church of Christ, Officiated by Pastor Mike Slutz. There will be a one hour visitation prior to services for those unable to attend the evening before from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at United Church of Christ in Hollowayville, IL.
Graveside Service to follow at Greenfield Cemetery, LaMoille, IL.
Pallbearers: Shane Kruse, Danyelle Kruse, Arran Kruse, Colin Kruse, Elija Kruse, Cadence Kruse, Kole Sissel, Damian Cobane, Emma Kruse-Carter, TJ Kruse-Carter, Julian Kruse, Braydyn Kruse, Landan Fairbanks, Liam Fairbanks, Claire Gould, Millie Ratcliff, Levi Kruse, Nora Ratcliff, Lucas Kruse, Aubreanna Vogel, Travis Johnson and Charlee Kruse
Honorary Pallbearers: Ashlynn Kruse, Beau Kruse and Emmett McFadin.
Online condolences may be directed to
www.norbergfh.com Arrangements by Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments.

Published by News Tribune on Sep. 18, 2024.