Ruben H. Kruschke, 88, of Glencoe
Ruben Harold Kruschke, 88, of Glencoe, formerly of Lester Prairie, died peacefully on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2016, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.
Funeral services were held Saturday, Feb. 6, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church with the Rev. Travis Loeslie officiating. Nancy Buckentine was the organist. Congregational hymns were “I Know That My Redeemer Lives,” “Just As I Am” and “How Great Thou Art.”
Honorary casket bearers were Joel Machemahl, Curtis Marks, David Kern and Ted Kruschke. Casket bearers were Gary Rehmann, Randy Rehmann, Josh Rehmann, Larry Michaletz, Phillip Scharmer and Michael Ayllon.
Interment was in the church cemetery.
Ruben Harold Kruschke was born Dec. 12, 1927, in Lester Prairie, the son of Theodore and Magdeline (Lunow) Kruschke. He was baptized into Christ on Dec. 26, 1927, at his home, and confirmed in the Christian faith on April 6, 1941, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Lester Prairie. He received his education in Lester Prairie and graduated from Lester Prairie High School in 1945. During his time in high school, he was on the basketball and baseball teams and continued playing baseball for the Lester Prairie town team.
On June 5, 1949, he was united in marriage to Evelyn Michaletz and they moved to the farm outside Lester Prairie. Their marriage was blessed with three children, Diane, Wendy and Julie. The couple shared over 27 years of marriage before Mrs. Kruschke’s death on June 10, 1976. On Feb. 3, 1978, Mr. Kruschke was united in marriage to Ruth Schmidt and they continued to live on the farm until they moved to Glencoe in 2000, when Mr. Kruschke retired from farming.
He was a lifelong member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, where he sang in the choir, served as an elder for eight years, and also was the chairman for two years. He also was a member of the Lester Prairie School Board for nine years and a Bergen Township election judge for many years.
Mr. Kruschke loved his work and farming was his life. He loved the animals, especially his dogs. When he moved to the farm, the house was part log and had no indoor plumbing. During his years on the farm, he added many buildings, including a new house that totally transformed the site. He enjoyed his farm work, especially working with his brother, Ardin, and father, Ted. He also enjoyed fishing, on water and on ice, especially with his nephew, Randy. He loved sports, especially baseball, and was happy that things were looking better for the Twins in the upcoming season. He cherished the time spent with his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth Kruschke of Glencoe; daughters, Diane (Tom) Rifkin of Bloomington and Julie (Mark) Schweitzer of Tucson, Arizona; grandchildren, Kali Schweitzer and Adam Schweitzer; Ruth’s children, Diane (Jerry) Scharmer of Buffalo Lake and Terry (Jane) Schmidt of Pine River; Ruth’s grandchildren, Karin Runke and special friend, Rob Mundt, Stephanie Scharmer and special friend, James Nelson, Phillip (Linette) Scharmer; Anjela (Michael) Ayllon and Riana (Sean) Barry; Ruth’s 12 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Bernice Kruschke of Hutchinson and Marlene (Ray) Nelson of Litchfield; brother-in-law, Len Dunaski of Roseville; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Magdeline Kruschke; first wife, Evelyn Kruschke; daughter, Wendy Kruschke; brothers, Vernon (Frieda) Kruschke, Orland (Mavis) Kruschke and Adrin Kruschke; and sister, Margaret (Irvin) Rehmann.
Memorials are preferred to the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation or the donor’s choice.
Arrangements were with the Paul-McBride Funeral Chapel in Lester Prairie. Online obituaries and guest book are available at www.hantge.com.
