Lawrence Joseph Kruse

Lawrence “Larry” Joseph Kruse, of St. Charles, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at the age of 81. Beloved husband of the late Mattie Nell Kruse; cherished son of the late Geraldine and Joseph A. Kruse; devoted father of Myrna (Kenneth) Prenger, Missy (Jeff) Kruse-McKeown, and Lisa (Kurt) Nelson; loving grandfather of Taylor McKeown, Ian McKeown, Kylie McKeown, Wil Taylor, Adam (Mel) Prenger, Cory (Rachel) Prenger, Jennifer (Craig) Hollandsworth, John Nelson, James Nelson, and Travis Nelson; treasured great grandfather of Olivia Taylor, Madison Taylor, Evan Taylor, Anthony Prenger, Benjamin Prenger, Carson Prenger, and Annabelle Prenger; dear brother of Nancy Rowen, the late Patricia Unterreiner, the late Daniel Kruse, and the late Steven Kruse. 

Larry proudly and honorably served in the United States Army, including a three-year station in Germany. He worked as a machinist (SMAR) for over 30 years and retired from Boeing. He started and ended the F15 line. He had a passion for woodworking, black powder shooting, and fishing, often crafting furniture for his daughters with his remarkable talent. As the owner of Lead Bottom Trading Company, he made and sold black powder supplies and enjoyed attending rendezvous. Larry loved camping and spending time with his daughters and grandchildren. Meticulous and hardworking, he was a devoted caretaker to his wife during the last decade of her life. He and Nell, his wife of nearly 50 years, met while bowling in the same league. A proud native of St. Charles, Larry could recount its entire history. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. 

Memorials may be made in Larry's name to the American Cancer Society.