Lester E. Kruse

6/11/1932 – 11/11/2016

Lester E. Kruse, 84, of New Knoxville passed away at 10:33 a.m. Friday November 11, 2016, at Lima Memorial Health System, Lima.

He was born in Auglaize County on June 11, 1932 to Homer & Grace (Engle) Kruse who preceded him in death. On October 10, 1954, he married Leah Settlage, and she passed away on August 7, 2005.

He is survived by a daughter; Patricia “Patty” (Dave) Mann of Jackson Center, a son Alan (Carol) Kruse, a son-in-law Rodney “Rod” Campbell of St. Johns, nine grandchildren Ryan (Angie) Campbell, Heather (Mike) Selby, Erin (Todd) Elsass, Nancy (Troy) Schwartz, Betsy Kruse, Kurt (Kassondra Shappell) Kruse, Shelby (Ethan Fite) Mann, Christopher Mann, 11 great-grandchildren, a sister Lois Yinger, and a special friend Linda Miller.

He was preceded in death by a daughter Jeanne Campbell.

Lester was a 1950 graduate of New Knoxville High School. He proudly served in the U.S. Army until 1954, and then he returned home to operate his family’s dairy farm. He was a member of the American Legion Post 444, Milk Marketing Inc. – where he served two terms on the board of directors – and New Knoxville First United Church of Christ where he was an Elder, Deacon, President of the Consistory and Sunday School Superintendent. He enjoyed camping, fishing and woodworking. He loved his family deeply and was very proud of their accomplishments.