Mark Kruse

Mark Kruse

 

Mark Anthony Kruse, age 53 of Smyrna, TN passed away unexpectedly on October 1, 2020 in Kuwait.  He was born to Melvin and Mary (Kout) Kruse of Lawler on June 1, 1967.  He grew up in Lawler, IA and attended Turkey Valley Community Schools until he graduated in 1985.  While in school he wrestled and was heavily involved in music and drama.  Shortly after graduating, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he served honorably as a maintenance management specialist for twenty years.  

While stationed in Willow Grove, PA, Mark attended a Navy Ball where he met the woman who would be the love of his life.  Mark and Joanna were married on April 13, 1996.  From this union, two daughters were born, Hannah Jeannette and Emma Gabrielle, both while Mark was serving as a Marine Corps recruiter in Fargo, ND.  Mark and his family would move to Okinawa, Japan where they would live until he retired from active duty.

Mark was a decorated Marine, combat veteran and American patriot who carried the pride of his service with him throughout his life. He was assigned to numerous combat and support units and served honorably through two major wars.  His awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, various campaign medals and other personal awards too numerous to list.

Mark is survived by his wife Joanna, daughters, Hannah and Emma, parents Melvin and Mary Kruse, and seven siblings, Marie (Jeff) Pleggenkuhle, Mike (Gail) Kruse, Melanie Kruse, Matthew (Jennifer) Kruse, Marjorie (Jason) Eberling, Myron (Dawn) Kruse, Marvin Kruse, six nieces and seven nephews.

A funeral mass will be held in Lawler at Our Lady of Mt Caramel Church on Saturday, November 7th at 10:30 am.  Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the family for a scholarship fund/memorial that is being set up in Mark’s name.

 
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