Norris’ name just came up on the ball field just last week in Naples, Florida, where he played senior softball during the winter months.
He still lives on in our hearts.
Peace be with you!  The softball gods have their arms around you,
Paul Welch
(A Canadian friend)

Dear Mike, please accept our condolences. Your dad was a great guy. We enjoyed having he and your mom as neighbors for so many years on Hillshire. I know he’ll be missed.  Fondly, George and Terry Blase

Coach kruse gave me my first shot at playing basketball for Oakland in 84 coach never gave up on me for that I will always cherish coach job well done rest in peace

Alice and Family, 
We are very sorry to hear about the passing of Norris. You all were wonderful neighbors from our Valley View days. Please accept our condolences.
Roger and Becky Ellingson

Hello
I am so sorry to hear about Norris. 
My father, Michael Smieja, played softball with Norris and I would drive my parents from Minnesota for the different tournaments.  

He would always talk with me and ask how my mother was, as she had Parkinson's.  He would be one of the first people to come and say hi; ask about my thoughts of the softball game; who I thought would be a good "pinch" runner, etc.

He was a wonderful and caring person; I am so grateful to have gotten to known him and to call him my friend.

I have a few pictures of him over the years from the different softball tournaments, if you would like me to send them to someone.

Sincerely
Edane

To my friend, Norris.
I met Norris 10 years ago in Naples, Florida on the ball field.
He was an incredible ball player and was a true gentleman on and off the field.  We had many talks about our mutual educational experiences.
He was a kind man, full of stories. I enjoyed the time we had together on the ball field where we could talk adnauseum  about how the game would have been different had this or that had been done better.  We’d laugh because, neither one of us would have been the difference maker.  
I’ll miss our conversations,
Paul Welch
(One of his Canadian friends)

I first met Norris more than ten years ago, through the elder softball league.  I first year in the league, he invited me to be on his team for a tournament.  It was a lot of fun and we came in second place.  His kindness and willingness to make me feel comfortable as the new guy made a big impression on me and exemplified the quality of his life.  Every game he played, he gave it his best and even kept trying to improve.  I have tears in my eyes thinking about what an inspiration he was to me, especially being 22 years my senior.  He was always willing to teach, and he taught me many things about life and softball.  When his wife was seriously ill a year or two ago, he was at her side, where he should have been.  I am confident that Norris Kruse accomplished what the Lord called him to do, and will be rewarded for his countless good deeds throughout eternity.

At 89 years old, Norris was an amazing inspiration on our "old man" softball team.  He was always ready to give advice and share some coaching tips with us.  He was one of our better pitchers and a true competitor.  He will be dearly missed but I know he will continue to be with us in spirit each time we take the field.  May God bless his family during this time of loss.

My sincerest condolences to Alice and Mike. As a longtime friend of the Kruse family I knew Norris to be a kind gentle man, who led an exemplary full life. He  epitomized the American dream by serving his country, acquiring an advanced degree, raising a family, being a positive force for young people in the classroom , traveling and making friends everywhere.  Norris loved sports, was a good Christian and will be missed by all who knew him. He is now with the Lord.

To the family of Coach Kruse, please accept my condolences. Coach Kruse was my track coach at Oakland Junior High for three years, 1985-1987. Our practices at Albert Oakland Park, making loops around the parking lot in the heat, built character. Thanks to him I also made some good friends I still have to this day. What a great guy! RIP Coach

I’ve had the privilege of knowing Norris and his family for the past 5 years.   What a wonderful caring man.  He will be missed.  Alice and Mike, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

It was my privilege to share time in the duck marsh with Norris in his later years.  Always a gentleman, always a positive influence, always a guiding light, always leading by example.  A life well-lived!

My thanks to his family for sharing, and to him for inspiration.  God bless and keep you, my friend Norris.

OBITUARIO

Norris E. Kruse

10 octubre, 1935 – 1 febrero, 2025

Memorial Funeral Home, Crematory & Memorial Park Cemetery/Columbia

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