David L. Kruse, age 82, passed away at his home in Watertown, SD, on Thursday, February 12, 2026. A Funeral Service will take place at 10:00 am on Friday, February 20, 2026, at the White Baptist Church in White, SD. A Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service, starting at 9:00 am. Interment will follow at the Fairview Cemetery in White.

David L. Kruse was born on July 22, 1943, in Hendricks, MN, the son of Willis and Donnalene (Wilkinson) Kruse. David grew up in Hendricks before attending grade school in White, SD, in a one-room schoolhouse. He grew up working on the farm until he attended Lake Area Technical Institute as a Diesel Mechanic. This is where David’s love for cars and his career started on farm equipment as a mechanic. He began his career soon after at Terex, where he worked for 23 years until retiring in 2023. Following retirement, David began to work at Menards in the Lumber department.

On November 12, 1966, David Kruse married Nancy Brandriet. To this union, his four children were born: Steven, Laurie, Mark, and Daniel. David later married his wife, Deloris Kruse. Deloris passed away on February 23, 2025.

When David was younger, he enjoyed spending time outdoors hunting and fishing. He enjoyed his treasure hunts as well as his collectables. One thing in life that was guaranteed was that David would be at the Wheel Inn for his daily baked potato. Deloris and David spent many hours out in the garden. Mark and David spent a year and a half building Mark a house, which is utilized for family get-togethers. This was one of his biggest accomplishments. Above all, David enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, friends, and Family. He shared his love of popcorn, Coca-Cola, and Zesto’s ice cream with them.

David was a faith-based man; his relationship with Jesus Christ was important to him, and he wore that on his sleeve in his day-to-day life.

David is survived by his children Steven (Shannon) Kruse of Buffalo, MN, Laurie Kruse of Watertown, SD, Mark (Sara) Kruse of Watertown, SD, Daniel Kruse of Watertown, SD, Cindy Ewing of Watertown, SD, Lyle (Kay) Weekly of Parkston, SD, Tammy (Wes) Jobgen of Rapid City, SD and Dale Weekly of Henry, SD; 15 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren; siblings, Dennis (Cheryl) Kruse of Bonham, TX, Cheryl (Bill) Mitchell of Estelline, SD and Kay Spindle of Bonham, TX.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Deloris Kruse and his parents.