Ronald Eugene Kruse Sr., 83

Ronald Eugene Kruse Sr. of Priest River passed away peacefully in his home June 29, 2024, one month shy of his 84th birthday. 

He was born July 23, 1940, in Lima, Ohio. At the age of 23, the lure of the West enticed Ron to pack up his young wife, Francis Marie Roose, and three small children to move to Prescott, Ariz., where he eventually started a career in the U.S. Postal Service. 

In 1976, he again moved his family, this time to North Idaho, where they hand-built a log cabin. He spent several years as the rural mail carrier for the areas south of Priest River. Ron was a man known for his knowledge of firearms and a love for the outdoors. He was an adamant do-it-yourselfer — he built his own homes, fixed cars and machinery, raised livestock, had a massive garden, and did some fancy woodworking on custom gun stocks. He taught his sons to hunt and fish all over Idaho and Arizona. 

Ron Sr. is preceded in death by his first wife and by his two young daughters, Vicky and Susie. He is survived by his sons, Ross N. Kruse, Ronald E. Kruse II, and Russell R. Kruse; 10 grandchildren, Kevin, Ryan, Justin, Dustin, Ronald III, Melissa, Riker, Kelcie, Rebbeca, and Hunter; and seven great-grandchildren, Grayson, Easton, Lincoln, Josie, Ronald IV, Dianna, and Killian. 

A small gathering of family and friends will be held at 2 p.m. July 20, 2024, at the family home at 261 Gunsmoke Lane, Priest River.

Sherman-Campbell Funeral Home in Priest River, Idaho, is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends are welcome to visit their website at www.shermancampbell.com.