David Kruse was a man whose life was full of love. Jesus loved him – and
although he couldn’t figure out why, he knew it to be true. He
suspected that the real reason is that is the way Jesus is – He just
can’t help but love, and not only David, but you as well.
David was born January 11, 1944, to Herman and Christina (Knoepfel) in
Grand Island, Nebraska, and he knew the love of his family including
sisters Dorothy, Cheryl, Eva and Roselyn. He entered his eternal rest on
January 18, 2022, due to COVID. He was predeceased by his parents and
sister Dorothy.
Growing up he attended Zion Lutheran School in Worms, Nebraska, and then
attended high school and college at Concordia Teachers College in
Seward, Nebraska. He taught physical sciences and mathematics at St.
John’s College in Winfield, Kansas from 1966 until the school closed in
1986. In Winfield he met Betty Sprehe and they were married June 14, 1970. Betty and David were parents to five adopted children: three sons
(Craig, Wade and Clint) and two daughters (Tabitha and Wendy), so he
experienced the love of wife and family. In later years he also was
loved by ten grandchildren. David graduated from Kansas State University
with an M.S. degree in physical science teaching and a PhD in physics
education.
David and Betty moved to Colby in 1987 where David taught physical
sciences and computer programming at Colby Community College until his
retirement in 2012. David was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in
Colby and served as lay minister, choir director and in the handbell
choir.
David enjoyed trees, hiking and learning. He and Betty were blessed to
take many trips together and visited all 50 states and many foreign
countries.
Visitation for friends will be from 3-5:00 p.m. Sunday, January 23,
2022, at Baalmann Mortuary, Colby. Funeral services are scheduled for
11:00 a.m. Monday, January 24, 2022, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Colby.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Lead a Child or Trinity’s bell choir and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com