Jack Richard Kruse, 84, of Fairfax, Missouri, passed away Sunday, February 27, 2022, surrounded by family at Community Hospital-Fairfax, Fairfax.

Jack was born October 4,1937, in Forbes, Missouri, to Marvin and Ethel (Kirk) Kruse. He grew up in Fairfax and had a younger brother, Steven Kruse.

Jack received an early certificate of graduation from Fairfax High School in 1955 and enlisted in the Navy the same spring. He served as a communications specialist in the Navy.

After he returned home from the Navy he was united in marriage to Patricia Sue Henning in Omaha, Nebraska, on October 20, 1958. They became the parents of three children, Tom, Shawnee, and Krista. The majority of their married life was spent on the family farm in Fairfax.

As a young man, Jack worked in gas stations and then for the Missouri Highway Department as a surveyor. He then became employed as a supervisor for Ideker Construction and farmed. After retirement he worked at Snyder and Associates Engineering and Mo Valley Ag. Jack was a hard worker who believed in doing his job well and was known for getting the job done.

Jack was a member of the Fairfax Masonic Lodge #483, Moila Shriners and was a 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason. He was a member of Fairfax Kiwanis and Sharp’s Grove Church.

As a lifetime member for the Amateur Trapshooters Association Jack was well known among fellow trap shooters for his excellence and helping youth in trapshooting. Jack took pride in serving on a board and bringing a safe, healthy rural water supply to the Northwest Missouri region.

Several years ago, Jack made the decision to donate his body to science. He was able to fulfill his wish upon passing.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 53 years, and his brother. He is survived by his children, Thomas Richard Kruse, Shawnee Sue (Mark) Hawkins and Krista Jane (David) Sly; his grandchildren, Dylan Sly, Lacy (Cory) Chopra, Chandra Hawkins, and Justin (Crystal) Hawkins; his great-grandchildren, Noah, Zion and Quinten Bernat, Avery and Presley Jane (PJ) Carlson, Ethan and Wyatt Hawkins; two step great-grandchildren, Cameron and Kaitlyn Chopra; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be directed to Fairfax Kiwanis Club, c/o Bob Alldredge, P.O. Box 45, Fairfax, MO 64446. A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 26, at 10:30 a.m. at Sharp’s Grove Church, Fairfax. A Masonic service will be held preceding the memorial service.