Raymond James Kruse

Raymond James Kruse, 95, of Fort Collins, passed away April 22, 2012. Mr. Kruse was born March 25, 1917 in Greeley, Colorado to Ernest G. and Elizabeth Potter-Kruse. Ray was the youngest and last surviving of twelve children. Ray married Edna May McFall in 1942 in Miami Beach, Florida. They were married for 53 years. Edna passed away in 1995. They had one daughter, Dr. Karen Kruse-Shirey and a grand dog Roxy. Ray married again in 2001 to Alice Weaver in Fort Collins. He had 2 stepsons, Jim and Bill Weaver. Raymond graduated from Greeley High School in 1937. He attended Colorado State College and graduated in 1941 with a major in math and minor in physical education. He was selected to Colorado State College Athletic Hall of Fame in football and wrestling. In 1994 he was selected an Honor Alumni at the University of Northern Colorado. Mr. Kruse received his Masters of Education Degree in 1949 from Colorado State University. Mr. Kruse served in the U.S. Army Corp during World War II in China, Burma, and India for a year and a half. During the Korean War, he served in the U.S. Air Force for 2 years at Hill Air Force Base in Utah. Raymond also taught ROTC at CSU for eight years and retired as a Major with 20 years of military service. Raymond was employed in the Poudre School District from 1946-1977. He taught physical education and coached, served at Lincoln Junior High School as Assistant Principal, Boys' Counselor, Principal, District Director of Physical Activities and Athletics from 1963 - 1977 In 1975 he was inducted into the Colorado High School Coaches Hall of Fame and in 1992 Kruse Elementary School was built and named in his honor. Mr. Kruse was Fort Collins City Recreation Director from 1957-1962. He was involved in the community through Special Olympics, Fort Collins Lions Club, First United Methodist Church, Red Feather Lakes Chapel in the Pines, Girl Scouts and Retired Teachers Association. Mr. Kruse always lived his life by following the Golden Rule of doing unto others as you would have them do unto you. He wanted to make a difference, set a good example for those around him, enjoy each day, and be a thoughtful, good human being. CONGRATULATIONS, RAY, ON A JOB WELL DONE! Survivors include his wife, Alice Weaver-Kruse of Fort Collins; daughter, Dr. Karen Kruse-Shirey of Fort Collins; stepsons, Jim Weaver of Boise, Idaho, Bill Weaver of Dubois, Wyoming; and 15 nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Ray's Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday at the First Presbyterian Church, 531 South College Ave. Private interment Resthaven Memory Garden Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions can be made to Salvation Army or the American Red Cross in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive St., Ft. Collins, CO 80524.