Robert F. “Bob” Kruse, age 84, of Cedar Rapids, and formerly of Dubuque, passed away peacefully into the open arms of Jesus, on October 14, 2024, at The Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy surrounded by his loving family.  Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, October 18, 2024, at Holy Spirit Parish, Sacred Heart Church, 2215 Windsor Avenue, with Rev. Jeffrey I. Fieden officiating.  Following cremation, burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery at a later date.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street is assisting Bob’s family.

Bob was born on February 24, 1940, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Eugene F. and Edna E. (Fleckenstein) Kruse.

Bob graduated from high school and then served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1958 until 1965.  He married the love of his life, Constance “Connie” Butler, on April 30, 1966, in Dubuque, and they had 3 children.  He was a hard worker and dedicated his career to the chemical plant in East Dubuque, Illinois.  Bob truly enjoyed his retirement to the fullest.  He traveled extensively and could often be found out on the course at Lacoma Golf Club, whether he was playing a round or doing some groundskeeping.  While in Dubuque, Bob was very active with his community and was a member of Sacred Heart Church and the American Legion Dubuque Post 6.  After moving to Cedar Rapids, Bob worked at Twin Pines Golf Course as a groundskeeper, and joined St. John’s the 23rd Fairfax.  His family was his main priority, and he looked forward to getting together with everyone, especially for family vacations.  Bob was always willing to help someone out if needed.  This is a trait he acquired from his mother, Edna, and sister, Patricia.  Bob will be greatly missed.

Those left to cherish Bob’s memory include

his wife,
Connie Kruse, Cedar Rapids, IA;

3 children,
Sally (Brian) Hlubek, Cedar Rapids, IA,
John (Melissa) Kruse, Dubuque, IA
and Joseph (Kate) Kruse, Helena, AL;

10 grandchildren,
Ryan (Liz) Kruse, Kelsey (Geoffrey) Kaiser, Alex (Lauren) Kruse, Allie (Swapnil) Gawde, Carly (Noah) Bix, Robby Hlubek, Jake Kruse, Cameron Kruse, Kyle Kruse and Brandon Kruse;

9 great-grandchildren,
Carver, Kai and Jett Kruse, Creighton, Beckett, Ambrose and Dorothy Kaiser and Fintan and Declan Kruse;

a sister,
Patricia “Pat” (Bill) Doerr, Dubuque, IA;

2 sisters-in-law,
Mary Lou (Larry) Feipel
and Marilyn Butler;

a brother-in-law,
Richard (Sandy) Butler;

and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; a granddaughter, Lindsay Kruse; a nephew, Richard Doerr; a great nephew, Jason French; his brothers-in-law, Tom Butler and Jim (Betty) Butler; and a sister-in-law, Bonnie (Tom) Villhard.

Bob’s family would like to thank the outstanding staff of Mercy ICU in Cedar Rapids, and The Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha, for the kind and compassionate care they provided for Bob and the entire family.

Greeting cards and memorials in Bob’s memory may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Bob Kruse Family.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.behrfuneralhome.com