Marlyn D Kruse

Reverend Marlyn D. Kruse, age 68, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday morning, September 24, 2008 at his home in Mankato.

Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, September 29, 2008 at Word of Life Free Lutheran Church in Mankato, with Rev. Paul Nash officiating. Burial will be in Woodland Hills Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday at Mankato Mortuary and will continue one hour before service at church on Monday. Memorials may be given to the AFLC Seminary or Missions.

Marlyn was born November 3, 1939 to Thomas and Minnie (Kruse) Kruse in Slayton, Minnesota. He graduated from Slayton High School in 1957. Marlyn attended Christian Heritage College, El Cajon, CA and Association Free Lutheran Seminary, Plymouth, MN. He was united in marriage to Gayle Stevens on March 7, 1964 in Iona, MN. Marlyn served churches in Everett, WA, Radcliffe, IA, Eagan, St. James, and Mankato. He was presently an interim pastor in Windom. Marlyn enjoyed home projects, building, working with his hands, and spending time with his family and grandchildren.

A servant of Jesus Christ, Marlyn devoted 30 years of his life to ministry until he retired to spend more time as a beloved grandpa.

Marlyn is survived by his wife, Gayle Kruse; children, Debra and Clide Hinds of Oceanside, CA, Melissa and Stephen Jameson of Earlville, IL, Steven and Robin Kruse of St. Michael, MN, and David and Courtney Kruse of Mankato; ten grandchildren; three brothers, Verland (Darlene) Kruse of Bloomington, Leon (Patty) Kruse of Eden Prairie, Tom (Gracia) Kruse of Bakersfield, CA; sister, Idella Hackett of Tulsa, OK; many nieces and nephews. Marlyn was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Dave Hackett.

His legacy as a spiritual leader and counselor will be remembered by his brothers and sisters in Christ.