1938-2026
Donald Kruse
Donald was born on August 14, 1938, to Walter and Hildegarde Kruse, on the very land his family farmed near Winters, Texas. He was raised on that same land, where his love for farming began at an early age. He attended Winters High School class of 1956.
Donald was a farmer through and through. Farming wasn't just something he did; it was a way of life. He began working alongside his father as a young boy, learning the value of hard work, dedication, and caring for the land. Following his father's passing, Donald took over the farming operation, continuing the work he had known his entire life. As the years passed, he had the joy of farming alongside his own sons, carrying on a tradition that meant so much to him.
In addition to farming, Donald worked for the United States Postal Service for 34 years. During those years, he developed many lasting friendships with the people along his mail route, who came to know and appreciate him.
On October 21, 1994, Donald married Marie Hall. Together, they built a beautiful life centered around their love for one another and their family. Their years together were filled with the joy of watching their children and grandchildren grow and making memories with those they loved most.
Above all, Donald loved his family. He took great pride in his sons and treasured the years they spent working side by side on the farm. Even as his health began to limit his ability to farm, his love for the land and the farming operation never faded. He also found great joy in watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and being a part of their lives.
Donald is survived by his loving wife, Marie Kruse; his sons, Terry Kruse and wife Cheryl, Brad Kruse and wife Anne; his stepchildren, Ron Gullett and wife Kathy and Lisa Ingram; his grandchildren, Kellie Cooke and husband Rance, Camille Kruse, Kylie Thompson and husband Logan, Dustin Kruse and wife Sarah. His step-grandchildren, Stephanie Giuliani and husband Zack, and Brian Gullett; his great-grandchildren, Channing Kruse, Bowen Cook, Harlee Jack, Renley Cook, Oliver Cook, Sloane Kruse, Eleanor Thompson, and Gray Thompson; and his step-great-grandchildren, Benjamin Gullett and Catie Giuliani.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Hildegard Kruse; his brothers, Harry and Kenneth Kruse; his younger sister, Maureen Kruse; and his son, Kenny Kruse.
Donald leaves behind a legacy of hard work, devotion to family, and a deep love for the land. His life was rooted in the things that mattered most to him-his family, his farm, and the generations who will carry on his memory.
Pallbearers are Dale Gray, Rickie Johnson, Dustin Kruse, Rance Cook, Bowen Cook, Channing Kruse, Zac Iskra, Dennis Kruse.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 30, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church in Winters, Texas, where Donald was a lifetime member.
Burial will follow the church service at Lakeview Cemetery in Winters, Texas.
A meal for family and friends will follow the burial at the Lutheran Church.
