Frederick H. "Fred" Kruse

Frederick H. "Fred" Kruse of Cuba, Missouri was born on July 28, 1940, to Ed and Louisa Kruse He passed away on November 1st, 2025, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO at the age of 85.

Fred was a proud graduate of Bourbon High School, where he distinguished himself as a star basketball player, holding a longstanding record for over 60 years and earning recognition as one of two players to be selected for the all-state first five teams. On June 27, 1959, he married Janet Rohrer, and together, they were blessed with four wonderful children.

Fred had careers in agriculture, manufacturing and machinery. He worked for Oliver Corporation., Ozark Equipment company, managed two large cattle operations, Fleming Manufacturing, 2 different paver system companies in Florida, and owned his own business, Rector Tractor, for several years. Fred pioneered designing and fabricating machinery which processed and transported patio pavers. His designs were patented and instrumental in building a successful business in which he was part owner.

Retirement brought Fred back to Cuba, where he enjoyed putting up the hay with his boys, taking care of the horses, checking the cows and spending time with his family. Fred was a lover of the outdoors and had a special way with animals. He loved watching his grandkids and great grandkids play. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.

Fred is preceded in death by parents & siblings - Karen Higgins, Mike Kruse & Chris Kruse.

He is survived by his wife Janet (Rohrer) Kruse, children - Melissa Kruse, Melanie and K.C. Swope, Ed & Cristy (Kamler) Kruse all of Cuba, and Jacob & Amanda (Hicks) Kruse of Eureka, MO. Grandchildren - Jeremiah & Susan Burch, Chris & Melissa Voigt, Paige & Eric Fairbairn, Nick & Katlyn Kruse, Jared & Emily Swope, Erin & Jake Harlan, and Logan, Layla, Dylan, Oliver & Charlie Kruse, 9 great grandchildren, sister - Ann Kruse, sister-in-law - Patty Kruse, many nieces and nephews, relatives & friends.

Memorial Visitation will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. at Mizell Funeral Home & Crematory and on Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Memorial Service 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church of Bourbon with Pastor Todd Holman, officiating.

Inurnment will be held at Bourbon Cemetery, Bourbon, Missouri at a later date.

If desired, memorials would be appreciated to the Alzheimer's Association.

The Mizell Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to be serving the family of Frederick H. Kruse.