Robert "Bob" Keith Kruse

Bob passed quite unexpectedly at his home in Tucson. Born in Phoenix, Arizona to parents Roland and Gladys "Vivian" Kruse, he was the youngest of three siblings. He began a lifelong passion for playing drums while in the 5th grade. He was an excellent musician, and he died on the day before he had been scheduled to play and sing in three different Church services. Bob played in the University of Arizona Marching Band and considered that a high point of his life. He remained active in the U of A Alumni Band right up to the end. He also composed many musical pieces for family and loved ones.

He was a Mechanical Engineer with a Master's in Business Administration, so he was a self-proclaimed "numbers guy." Throughout his career, Bob worked for a number of businesses, including AES, Anamax Mining, Magma Copper, RGA, ADP, and Raytheon, as well as being a consultant for other companies. He also taught engineering classes at the U of A as an adjunct professor, right up to a few days before his death.

Bob’s greatest passion was his faith and his family, however. He leaned on both after the death of his first wife Bonnie, living as a single dad to two young daughters. Everyone in the family, extended and immediate, were valued and loved by him. He was always helping. He will be missed greatly by family, friends, and Church members. Bob is survived by his beloved wife Debbie, mother-in-law Shirley Weber, daughters Lisa (Levie McGill), and Jennifer Kruse, stepson Clinton Blackburn (Julia), stepdaughter Katrina Blackburn, brother Jim Kruse (Patty), sister Bonnie Jean (Rick Parker), step-siblings Mike Murphy (Mary Ellen), Larry "Chip" Murphy (Chris), Christy (Roger Houle), as well as grandchildren Kaylee, Zildjian, Rowan, Emrys, Torynn, and Breena, and his extended family. He was preceded in death by first wife Bonnie, parents Roland and Vivian Kruse, stepmother Doyce Kruse.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donation to a cause or charity that is important to you, or to the Scleroderma Foundation. A Visitation will take place at East Lawn Palms Mortuary in Tucson on Saturday, February 24, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM. A Celebration of Life service will be held at St. Paul's United Methodist Church on Sunday, February 25 at 2:00 PM.