WILHELM JOSEPH HEINRICH KRUSE (BILL)

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WILHELM JOSEPH HEINRICH KRUSE (BILL) On May 7, 2004 at Concordia Hospital, surrounded by his family and with the courage and dignity which personified his life, our dearly beloved husband, father, grandfather and great - grandfather completed his life journey. This remarkable journey began on September 28, 1905 in Ahaus, Germany, the second youngest in a family of 9 children. At an early age, he became a blacksmith by trade. Upon completion of his schooling he developed a passion to travel and see the world. This began when he joined the circus in Germany, travelling all over the country. In June of 1929 he and his brother, Theo, decided to immigrate to the United States. When they reached the U.S. however; the immigration authorities had closed the border to further immigrants and they decided to hop a train to Canada, ending up in Winnipeg. Life was not easy in those early years, as shortly after their arrival the Great Depression began in October, 1929. His stories of courage, deprivation, and desperation, during those horrible years, were always a sense of inspiration to his daughters and later on to his beloved grandsons. Opas philosophy was "never give up" and that is the motto he followed throughout his life. He and his brother persevered during those lean times and with very little money they began their own business during the heart of the depression, Kruse Auto Body on Isabel St. Many is the time he told us about living in one room above the garage with no heat during those terrible winters. It is a credit to their hard work, ethics and reputation that the business still exists today under that same name, even though they sold it in 1971! After he retired, his life revolved around his home. Gardening became a hobby. His zest for life and boundless energy held us all in awe. Right into his mid nineties one could still see him riding his bike to Safeway or taking long walks along the Drive. His love for his family knew no bounds; he was always there to lend a helping hand when we needed it. His grandsons were the love of his life; he never grew tired spending time with them. He followed Svens remarkable hockey career with a keen interest right up to his last days (watching, whenever possible every NHL game Sven played) and he was so very proud of the person Erik had become. He knew both his grandsons were coming home at the end of April and he made sure he stuck around long enough to see them once more. Bill was predeceased by his parents, Elizabeth and Joseph Kruse, brothers Franz, Adolph, Joseph, Hermann, Paul, Theodore and sisters Sophie, and Aene. He is survived by his dearly beloved wife Lucie; his devoted daughters, Ingrid (Reinhard) and Burga; his beloved grandsons, Sven (Allison) and Erik; and beloved great-grandson, Magnus. Unfortunately he will not live to see the birth of another great grandchild in August, but we know that he will be there in spirit with us always. Bill is also fondly remembered by niece Helga Geib (Sigmund) in Winnipeg and nieces and nephew in Germany; plus special extended family Gisela (Egon) Knudsen. The family would like to thank the wonderful, caring and compassionate staff at the Concordia Hospital up in N2East and N1North who took such wonderful care of our beloved Opa during the last three months. Funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 11, 2004 at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home 4000 Portage ave. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers we ask that you make a donation in Bills name to a charity of your choice. Ruhe in Frieden lieber Vater Du hast deine Ruhe verdient Arrangements entrusted to: Chapel Lawn Funeral Home Cemetery and Crematorium 885-9715 Family and friends are invited to sign the Book of Condolence at www.chapellawn.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 10, 2004