Norman E. Kruse, age 91, passed away peacefully on April 20, 2026, in St. Charles, Illinois. Norm was born on November 28, 1934, in Grundy Center, Iowa, to Lucas and Ella (Heronimus) Kruse.
Growing up in Grundy Center, Norm loved sports and was especially passionate about football and basketball throughout his school years. He excelled on the football field during high school, earning numerous awards and recognition for his athletic ability, determination, and leadership. His love of sports and competitive spirit remained with him throughout his life.
Norm graduated from Grundy Center High School in 1953 before proudly serving in the United States Army for two years, stationed both in the United States and Japan. Following his military service, he returned to Iowa and worked for Varsity Cleaners in Cedar Falls.
In 1963, Norm moved to Yakima, Washington, where he started a business operating ice cream carts. It was there he met the love of his life, Carolyn J. Schneider. The two were married on September 11, 1965, beginning a loving partnership that spanned more than 60 years. In 1966, they welcomed their beloved daughter, Kathleen.
During a visit back to Iowa to see family, Norm, Carolyn, and Kathy were presented with an opportunity to begin farming in Grundy Center. They soon returned home to Iowa, where they built a life centered on family, hard work, and community.
Norm had a true entrepreneurial spirit and a lifelong love of travel and adventure. Together, Norm and Carolyn owned and operated several businesses over the years, including a frozen yogurt shop, a U-Haul and self-storage business, and an interior design and window treatment business. No matter how busy life became, Norm continued pursuing his lifelong passion for farming.
They enjoyed spending winters in Bonita Springs, Florida, and summers in Grundy Center, creating many cherished memories together through the years. Norm and Carolyn worked side by side in every endeavor and were always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. In 2024, they moved to Sycamore, Illinois, to be closer to family.
Norm always made time for the people he loved most. He was deeply proud of his daughter, Kathy, and thought the world of his son-in-law, Mark— always ready to offer support and be there when it mattered most. He loved cheering on his grandchildren, Alexandra and Taylor, and took great pride in their accomplishments and the lives they were building. Norm also cherished his friendships, and many of those lifelong friends became family over the years.
Norm was a devoted member of Cornerstone Methodist Church, as well as the American Legion, AMVETS, and the Shriners International.
Norm had a generous heart and a gift for making people laugh. He never met a stranger and will be remembered for his practical jokes, larger-than-life personality, and unwavering dedication to those he loved. To know Norm was to love him. His kindness, sense of humor, and genuine interest in others left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to cross his path.
He is survived by his wife, Carolyn; his daughter, Kathy (Mark) Bemis; and his grandchildren, Alexandra (Jordan) Tranmer and Taylor Bemis; and his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Shirley and Gary Horning.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather, John Paterni; his brother, James W. Kruse; his sister-in-law, Delores Kruse; and in-laws, Herbert and Dorthy Schneider.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Cornerstone Methodist Church, 707 6th Street, Grundy Center, IA, 50638. Following the service, family and friends are invited to gather for a luncheon at the church. Burial will take place afterward at Rose Hill Cemetery. 
Memorial contributions may be directed to Cornerstone Methodist Church in honor of his memory.
For information, visit www.AndersonFuneralHomeLtd.com or call 815-756-1022.