Charles H. "Chuck" Kruse, 97, of Springfield, passed away at 8:22 a.m. on Thursday, November 9, 2017 at Heritage Health. Chuck was born on August 8, 1920 in Davenport, Iowa, the son of Charles C. Kruse and Ella A. (Ehlers) Kruse. He was an excellent student, graduating from Davenport High School in 1938. He then began his working career with Security Fire Insurance Company (predecessor to Hawkeye Security Insurance Co.) He was inducted into the Army Air Corps (predecessor of the U.S. Air Force) in 1942, and rose in rank to Tech Sergeant by 1944. He was deployed with the B24 Bombers of the 448th, 2nd Air Division, during WWII. Following the war in Europe, Chuck returned to employment at Hawkeye Security Insurance Co. At retirement in 1984, he held the position of Resident Vice President, Springfield office. From teenage years into his 80s, Chuck loved and spent many hours of leisure time golfing. He was a scratch golfer, with many awards on the country club tournament circuit. After a round of golf, Chuck enjoyed a game of hot cards and cold beverages. He was a member of the former Oak Crest Country Club, now The Oaks, and a member of FOE Eagles of Springfield. Chuck was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Raymond C. and Richard A. Kruse; niece, Theresa A. Kruse; and two sisters-in-law, Dolores V. and Beatrice R. Kruse. He is survived by three nieces, Barbara (husband, Carl) Davis of Decatur, AL, Victoria Marriott of Elk Grove Village, IL, and Karen (husband, Mike) Weiman of Davenport, IA; and several great-nieces and nephews. Memorial Gathering: Family will receive friends from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 18, 2017 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to the memorial service. Private burial will be held at the Rock Island Arsenal Veterans Cemetery, Rock Island, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lambs Farm, 14245 West Rockland Rd., Libertyville, IL 60048.
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