David A. Kruse

David Arthur Kruse, died Friday, June 13, 2025, at the age of 92. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on January 24, 1933, to Arthur and Ruth (Duckwitz) Kruse.

David knew at an early age he wanted to pursue a career as a Lutheran pastor. After college, he attended Concordia Lutheran Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, graduating in 1957. While there, he met and married Winnie Weimar, in 1955. They just recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on June 4, 2025.

David’s first call was to Temple Terrace, Florida, where he established a new mission congregation. During those years, they were blessed with five children, Timothy, Stephen, Andrew, Paul and Kathryn. His ministry then led him to becoming a campus pastor at Florida State University and Florida A&M University, both in Tallahassee, then to Michigan State University in East Lansing. All going through difficult times during the civil rights movement and then the Vietnam War crisis.

Always ready for another challenge to serve, he finished his ministry in the retirement community of Green Valley, Arizona. While there, he established numerous programs for “aging well”. He retired in 1998.

David is survived by his wife, Winnie; children, Timothy (Carol), Stephen (Lisa), Andrew (Jodi), Paul (Cindy) and Kathryn (Gerhard) Kraske; many grandchildren, and two great granddaughters.

A celebration of David’s life will be held at a later time. Memorials in David’s name can be made to:

The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod
1333 S. Kirkwood Rd.
St. Louis, MO 63122-7295
https://www.lcms.org/givenow

or

Lutheran World Relief
PO Box 17061
Baltimore, MD 21297-1061
https://give.lwr.org

All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Services of Madison is assisting the family. Online condolences can be shared at www.866allfaiths.com.