Donald William Kruse

Donald William Kruse

Oxford

Donald William Kruse, 73, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Dec. 18, 2022. He died peacefully on his 40-acre farm, in rural Oxford, under the care of his wife, Cathy and Iowa City Hospice.

Don was born Oct. 1, 1949, in Bedford Ohio. He was the middle of five boys and is survived by all four of his brothers.

On June 19, 1971, he married Cathy Ohlrich who was his best friend, confidant and partner for 51 years. As a couple they raised three boys, renovated two homes, took countless hikes and enjoyed spending time with their six grandchildren.

Don is survived by Cathy, his wife and his three children, Schoen (April) Kruse of Lubbock, Texas, Tyler (Jen) Kruse of Oxford, Iowa, and Corey (Lindsey Dreger) Kruse of Jackson Hole, Wyo.; and grandchildren, Grant, Gretchen, Helena, Ryan, Emmitt and Vivian.

Throughout his 73 years, Don wore multiple hats as a Montessori teacher, carpenter, small business owner, fly-fisherman, artist, woodworker and gardener. Originally from Ohio, he and Cathy retired to their own little piece of paradise in Iowa where he lived his best years tinkering, planting, and teaching the next generation how to be good stewards of the land.

Per Don’s wishes, his family will celebrate his life and legacy with friends and family at a later date. His family is thankful for neighbors, nurses, caregivers and friends who helped along the way.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those who are able instead make a donation to Iowa City Hospice.