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Clifton Kruse Obituary
Clifton Bryan Kruse, Jr., 74, passed away surrounded by his family on December 30, 2008, from complications of Alzheimer's disease. After receiving his undergraduate degree from Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas in 1956, and his graduate degree in theology from Boston University in 1959, Mr. Kruse was awarded a Juris Doctorate Degree from Washburn University School of Law in 1963. He was an ordained Methodist Minister and prison chaplain. A nationally acclaimed elder law attorney, in 1956 Mr. Kruse was given the Colorado Bar Association's Award of Merit, the highest honor given by the CBA for outstanding contributions to the legal profession and the bar association. He was a member of the American Bar Association, Colorado Bar Association (Vice President), El Paso County Bar Association Past President), National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (Past President and Fellow), and the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. He taught Business Law at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs for 27 years and taught at the University of Denver School of Law. Mr. Kruse lectured at seminars, symposiums and workshops throughout the country and authored many books and articles. Mr. Kruse was the founding member of Kruse and Lynch, P.C. and specialized in the preparation of wills, trusts, estate administration and elder law. He had a passion for helping others, especially the elderly. His book, "Selma's Cat and Other Things That Matter," is a collection of essays pertaining to the concerns and experiences of senior citizens. Mr. Kruse was a member of the Broadmoor Cooking Club, the Broadmoor Golf Club, Cheyenne Mountain Country Club, the Broadmoor Figure Skating Club, the Broadmoor Speed Skating Club (Past President), Broadmoor Community Church, and the Confrerie des Chevaliers du Tastevin. Clif will be dearly missed by his wife of 52 years, Carolyn; his children, Angela Kruse and Stephen Kruse (Suzanne); his two grandchildren and six great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Thelma Kruse (Lanson Carney), and Linda Lynch (Frank), nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, the Reverend and Mrs. Clifton B. Kruse, Sr., and his sister, Edith Lake. The family is very appreciative of the many months of loving care given to Clif by the nurses and staff of the Memory Care Unit at the Village at Skyline and also thanks Pikes Peak Hospice nurses for their support in his last days. A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 3, 2009, 1:00 P.M. at the Broadmoor Community Church, 315 Lake Avenue, Colorado Springs. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Pikes Peak Hospice, 825 E. Pikes Peak Avenue, Suite 600, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903, or the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region, 610 Abbott Lane, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80905.
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Memories and Condolences
for Clifton Kruse
thomas r mullen
December 28, 2022
It's rare that a day or two goes by without me thinking of him. What he did for we (then) younger attorneys, teaching us kindness and empathy.
Barbara Hughes
January 28, 2009
Dear Carolyn and Family,
I met Clifton when I joined the NAELA Professionalism and Ethics Committee. Clifton was and still is our supreme ethicist, guiding those of us who were privileged to know him in each day of our law practice with elderly and younger special needs individuals. He and his work have been that sparkling stone dropped into a pool that keeps on rippling outward forever. You're all in my prayers.
Edna Wiker
January 16, 2009
Dear Carolyn & Family- I was so sorry and sad to hear of Clif's passing. I started my professional accounting with Clif when at the Holly Sugar Bldg. He was such a brilliant man and I will always remember him in my thoughts.
Juanita Morrow
January 15, 2009
To the Kruse Family:
We are saddened to learn of your loss and the loss to our community. Years ago when Clifton had his office in the Holly Sugar Building he took care of our wills and trust. We were so impressed by his caring personality that from that day forward his business card remained in our planner. We will now take it and put it with his obituary summarizing his admirable legacy. His legacy will always be with you and to all of us who had the privilege of meeting and knowing him.
The Morrow Family: Vernon and Juanita
Judi Owens
January 15, 2009
The Kruse family:
My deepest sympathies. My heart goes out to you and your family. I remember how caring your family was to me when I was skating at the Broadmoor. Those little things live on. Judi Owens
Jo Ann Viola Salazar
January 10, 2009
To the Kruse Family--
I had the honor of meeting and working with Clif when I worked at the Colorado Bar Association. He was an incredibly kind and honorable man. I appreciate so much that I had the opportunity to know him.
My deepest sympathy for your loss. He will be greatly missed.
William Browning
January 7, 2009
Dear Carolyn and Family: Clif served as not only a mentor but also urged us to become better people. Clif showed that we could represent our clients zealously and still be collegial and professional towards our adversaries or those who disagreed with us. We miss him.
Charme Dawson
January 7, 2009
Carolyn and Family:
Clif's memorial service was beautiful. What great memories I have of Clif. He would sit with me at work (World Arena) during many of the ice skating events and tell me stories of his life, how he met Carolyn in church (and knew right away that you were the one for him), his books, his life in general and oh my gosh, the apples that he brought me. What a great guy and I will miss him. In my eyes, you two were the "perfect couple". May God bless you and remember that Clif is waiting for you in Heaven. What a reunion that will be!
Morris Klein
January 7, 2009
Cliff may be gone, but he will live on in spirit.
Pat Tobin
January 5, 2009
Dear Carolyn and family,
Clif is a constant presence in my law practice, and his intellect, guidance and work continues to help people through hundreds of his student-lawyers and through those lawyers with whom he generously shared his expertise, kindness and humor.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pat Tobin & Sy Feldman
Wendy Sheinberg
January 5, 2009
Dear Carolyn and Angela:
Cliff was a wonderful person, I like so many others, feel blessed to have had the oppurtunity to know Cliff. You and your family are in our prayers.
Harley Gordon
January 5, 2009
To the Kruse family,
As a person who worked closely with Cliff as an original member of NAELA, to throughout our varied careers, I never lost my admiration for this kind, wonderful man.
"Reputation is what men and women think of us; character is what God and angels know of us." Thomas Paine
I know Cliff rests with angels. I also know that he will return as one. I am devastated by his death. My deepest condolences to all of you.
John Payne
January 5, 2009
My personal experiences meeting Clif Kruse at NAELA events were only brief encounters, but I was greatly impressed by his profound intelligence and touched by his deep compassion. I have only met a few truly great individuals and Clif was undoubtedly the greatest. The most amazing thing about Clif was that he was so humble despite ample reason to be proud. I will never forget him as an example of loving professionalism and gentle rectitude.
David Dorfman
January 5, 2009
Clifton was a mentor and friend. When I think about who I am and who I want to be I think about the wonderful examples I have had the benefit of knowing. His teaching will remain with me always.
William - Wil McCormick
January 5, 2009
Carolyn - I extend my deepest sympathy to you and your family. It was my honor to know Clif. His example as a great man and his warm, caring, and loving ways for his family, friends, and all those he represented will remain as a testimony and example to all of us he touched.
Sam Heizer
January 5, 2009
Carolyn,
May God Bless and comfort you in these days. You have been a support for me now let me be one for you.
Sam Heizer
William Overman
January 5, 2009
Carolyn, it is with great sadness that I learn of your loss. Clif was such an incomparable mentor, and I treasure the memories I have of time spent with him and with you. My warmest and most heartful sympathy --
Gregory French
January 4, 2009
Carolyn--Dianne & I send our thoughts, prayers, & love. I treasure memories of serving on NAELA's Executive Committee under Clif's leadership as President & of working with Clif to develop the Aspirational Standards for the Practice of Elder Law. I treasure even more the dinners, wine, & conversation we shared with him & you.
Martha Marreel
January 4, 2009
Dear Kruse Family,
Dr. Kruse was my teacher for Business Law as part of the MBA program at UCCS. He was one of the most memorable teachers I ever had. I'm so sorry for your loss.
tom mullen
January 4, 2009
carolyn: my whole life changed the day I heard clifton speak at NAELA in the fall of 1993. He was a personal and professional inspiration. And how he loved to take all my 'signature' pens from me and scatter them throught the hotel. I will miss him dearly. tom mullen
Denise Thomas
January 3, 2009
Dear Carolyn,
It was a beautiful service today. Clif would have been so proud of you, as always. He will always be an inspiration to us all.
Denise, Clyde and Brianna
Jihane Rohrbacker
January 3, 2009
I am so saddened to hear about Clif's passing. Although I know he's now resting and is at peace, I will miss him! I'll miss his beautiful smile, his sense of humor, his ability to make everyone he met feel special--he was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. He has touched my life in so many ways, I will hold onto to the memories. Carolyn, you and your family are in my prayers. with much love
Lynn Runyan
January 3, 2009
What a legacy Clif leaves!
We are glad he can now rest in peace.
Our loving thoughts go to all the family!!
-Al and Lynn Runyan
Paul, Suzi and Emily Schulz-Vittorio
January 3, 2009
Carolyn and family. I have only the best memories of Cliff. My deepest sympathy to you. Cliff was such a beautiful man. He will me missed. All our love to your family.
Terri Yogi
January 3, 2009
Carolyn, I'm so sorry to hear about Cliff. Gil told me, I sure miss you both from the Penrose club. Our Prayers are with you.
Terri and Tiana Yogi
darlene grippo-sowa
January 2, 2009
I heard about your loss this morning at the El Paso County Ethics meeting. We were all saddened to hear of Clif's passing. Dr. Mal Wakin had wonderful things to say about him. I am sure his being gone will have a tremendous effect on our community; as I have learned he made a great impact in so many areas. God Bless you all, Darlene G. Sowa
Tatjana Gacesa
January 2, 2009
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Lori Von Rueden
January 2, 2009
I am so sad to hear of the loss of Dr. Kruse. I took Business Law from him at UCCS and he was by far one of the best teachers I have ever had. I know he will be missed.
LAURA DOLAN
January 2, 2009
To Cliffs Family,
I was saddended to learn of Cliff's leaving this earth. He was always a true gentleman in every way. May you all have many fond memories and I will also.
Laura Dolan
Zeffer Betts
January 2, 2009
To the Kruse Family,
From my family to yours...our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Don and Janice Phillips
January 2, 2009
To the Family,
May your loving memories of Clifton bring you peace and comfort. My own memories reveal a true gentleman and asset to all for his caring and kindness to everyone. Our prayers are with you. Sincerely,
Rick and Camille Carlin
January 2, 2009
Carolyn and Angela,
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
We will always remember Clif fondly for his kind and gentle nature.
Dick Ouellette
January 2, 2009
I am saddened to learn of the death of Dr. Kruse. I took business law courses from him and he was the best teacher I ever had, bar none.
Dick Ouellette
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