US Army veteran
MELROSE — Glenn D. Kruse, 81, of Melrose passed away peacefully on March 8 after a full life and valiant battle with prostate cancer.
Glenn was born on September 30, 1943 to the late Alfred and Dorothy Kruse in Queens, NY. After graduating from Bayside High School in 1960, Glenn’s life included serving his country in the Vietnam War, plying his trade as an electrician, starting a Christian bookstore named “Noah’s Ark,” ministering at Calvary Tabernacle (New York) and Parkway Christian Center (Revere), working with those recovering from addiction and yelling loudly at every one of his sons’ basketball games.
The groundnote of Glenn’s life was his experience of Christ’s grace though the gospel. Born again in Vietnam and baptized in the South China Sea, he spent the next 60 years of his life as a vital member of every church he was part of, serving in whatever capacity was needed and endlessly opening his heart and home to others.
In June of 1969, Glenn met the love of his life Margaret Oliver in Brooklyn. They were married two months later in Puerto Rico. Their 55 years of marriage included having two sons Matthew and James; two daughters-in-law Grace and Sarah; and eight grandchildren Matthew, Brandon, Seth, Julia, Micah, Levi, Callie and Emma. He is survived by and will be missed by all of them. No one was a more devoted husband, father or papa.
Glenn never met a tree he didn’t hug, umpire he didn’t criticize, speed limit he didn’t break, soda he didn’t drink or stranger he didn’t talk to. An avid hobbyist, he was into antique cars, model trains, license plate art and salvaging used furniture. An unhittable softball pitcher, he led teams to championships in 1971, 1973, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991 and 1995, as he would tell you often.
Relatives and friends were invited to gather in honor of Glenn’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Wednesday, March 12 from 4 to 8 p.m. and again on Thursday, March 13 for his funeral service celebrated at 10 a.m. Interment with Military Honors by the United States Army in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. Gifts in memory of Glenn were made to the Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Ave., Nebraska City, NE 68410; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN. 38105; or the Seven Mile Road Church Student Ministry. For online tribute, please visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.