Rev. Dr. David Kruse

Rev. Dr. David H. Kruse, 87, of Eau Claire, passed away Monday April 7, 2025 under the care of Interim Hospice.

He was born March 9, 1938 in Hillsboro, North Dakota to Harvey and Emma (Ruther) Kruse. He is a 1955 graduate of Hillsboro High School. Dave went on to study at the University of North Dakota and North Dakota State University where he earned his Bachelor Degree in Education and furthered his graduate studies. He continued his education through the years at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary where he earned his Master of Divinity in 1965 and his Doctorate of Ministry in 1980.

On June 24, 1962, in Hoople, ND, Dave married the love of his life, Jacqueline Lou Bessire. They spent a wonderful 62 years together. They were blessed by two children, Kristi Kruse of Maplewood, MN and Timothy Kruse of Eau Claire. He is further survived by his brothers, Daniel Kruse of Naples, FL, John (Pam) Kruse and James (Sheron) Kruse both of Fargo, ND; brothers in law, Boyd (Shari) Bessire of WY and Steve (Deb) Bessire of Chaska, MN; sisters in law, Sandy Wosick of Dalzell, SC and Carol Bessire of Fargo, ND and many nieces and nephews.

 He is preceded in death by his parents and a brother-in-law, Bill Bessire.

Dave was an Ordained Pastor of the United Methodist Church. He became on Ordained Deacon in the North Dakota Conference in 1961 and an Ordained Elder in the East Wisconsin Conference in 1965. He served many churches in Wisconsin, some of those being the Cargill UMC in Janesville, Lake Street UMC in Eau Claire, the South East District Superintendent, First UMC of Appleton and finished his career back at Lake Street UMC as the Minister of Pastoral Care, retiring in 2012.

Not only did Dave Pastor numerous churches, he held several leadership positions in the Wisconsin Conference of the UMC. He served on the Board of Pensions for the East Wisconsin Conference, Director of the United Methodist Foundation, Chair of the Board of Ordained Ministry of the Wisconsin Conference, East Wisconsin Pension Trustee-Secretary and Treasurer-Administrator.

He was instrumental in organizing the photography group called “Digital Shooters” at Lake Street UMC. He loved capturing the beauty of nature through photography, especially with his friend Jack. In retirement, he enjoyed planning trips and traveling.

Dave was a person whose heart was full of love for others, embracing life with a joy that was contagious to everyone around him. His faith in God was the foundation of his life, and he held family and church close to his heart, always striving to live with kindness, generosity, and a deep sense of purpose. His love for people, his unwavering devotion to his family, and his commitment to his faith were the pillars that defined who he was, and his presence made the world a brighter, more compassionate place.

Dave's family would like to send a most heartfelt thank you to Pastor Jerry Morris for his faithful guidance and encouragement in ministry. Your unwavering faith, and your walk beside Dave as Pastors together during all seasons have been a true blessing. Our family is also deeply grateful to Interim Hospice for the compassionate and dignified care you provided during our time of need.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, April 26, 2025 at Lake Street United Methodist Church, 337 Lake Street, Eau Claire, WI 54703. Pastor Jerry Morris will officiate. Visitation will be held at the church that morning from 9:30 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM. Interment will take place at a later date at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Fargo, ND.

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.  Memorials may be made to Lake Street United Methodist Church or to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, NAMI, PO BOX 49104, Baltimore, MD 21297. 

Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.

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