Marion Everett Kruse, 88, Sturgis, died Friday, April 24, 2015, at the VA Black Hills Health Care System at Fort Meade.

Marion was born February 13, 1927, at Dimock, SD, to Helge & Sarah (Bennett) Kruse. The family moved to Batseland, SD, where he and his siblings grew up on the family farm. He spent two years in the army and was honorably discharged in 1952.

He married Joyce Higgs of Porcupine, SD, on December 21, 1955. At that time, he owned a filling station and bulk plant in Batesland, SD. Marion and Joyce bought a wheat farm near Tuthill, SD, and they lived on the farm for a number of years. Marion joined the Soil Conservation Service in Martin, SD, and moved to Sturgis, SD, in 1963. He continued working for the SCS in Sturgis. He was named The South Dakota Outstanding Conservation Technician of the year in 1969. He retired from SCS after 20 years of service. Marion and Joyce then operated a second hand store in Sturgis, KRUSES, for 27 years.

Marion enjoyed going hunting and fishing with his family and friends. He loved playing cards & going bowling.

Survivors include his wife, Joyce Kruse, Sturgis; son, Russell (Ralphine) Kruse, Moline IL; three daughters, Laurie Behrens, Broomfield, CO, Lisa (Scott) Bellew, Rapid City, SD, and Katherine (Byron) Sarchet of Levenworth, KS; fourteen grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; his brother, Stanley Kruse, Sturgis; and his sister, Odessa Elwood, Gordon, NE.



He was preceeded in death by his parents; three brothers; two sisters; and his son, James Kruse.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, April 27, at Kinkade Funeral Chapel.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 28, 2015, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sturgis with Pastor Nicholas Haasch officiating. Burial will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

A memorial has been established with the proceeds going to Trinity Lutheran Church of Sturgis.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.

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