John F. Kruse

John F. Kruse, 88, of Lexington, Neb., passed away Wednesday, April 3, 2013, at Solara Hospital in McAllen, Texas.

John was born January 13, 1925, at York, Neb., to Johann and Helen (Kruse) Kruse, the second of eight children. He graduated from Burchard High School with the class of 1941. He was united in marriage to Lillian (Fran) Weakland on July 14, 1947, in Beatrice, Neb. This union was blessed with two daughters, Linda and Cheryl.

John served in the United States Navy from March 22, 1943,until being honorably discharged on Feb. 17, 1946, with the rank of Petty Officer Radioman 2nd Class.

He graduated from Electronic Technical School at Omaha and later worked for WABL radio station in Apollo, Pennsylvania, KRVN radio station and Reach Electronics both in Lexington.

He was the owner/manager of Lexington Communications for many years. He retired in January, 2001, at the age of 75.

John married Darlene Samples on March 30, 1985, in Aurora, Neb. The couple enjoyed traveling, especially touring Europe and visiting cousins in Germany.

John and Darlene spent their retirement winters at Alamo Palms, Alamo, Texas, where his favorite activities were playing bridge, and coffee time at the recreation hall with his many friends. He was a member of St. Ann's Catholic Church in Lexington, as well as the VFW and American Legion in Lexington.

He is survived by his wife, Darlene of Lexington; two daughters, Linda (Gene) Shaw of Hastings, Neb., Cheryl (Shane) Lobdell of Lexington, Neb.; three grandchildren, Jeremy (Rylee) Shaw of McCook, Neb., Jason Shaw of Central City, Neb., and, Nathan Lobdell of Lexington, Neb.; three great-grandchildren, Karragan, Caleb and Corbin Shaw; three stepsons, Ron (Cheryl) Samples of Hastings, Nebraska, Bradley Samples of Grand Island, Nebraska, Michael Samples of Waverly, Neb.; ten stepgrandchildren; brothers, Carl (Marjorie) Kruse of Canyon City, Colo., Walter (Anita) Kruse of Beatrice, Neb., and Harry Kruse of Blue Springs, Neb.; sisters, Lorena Higgins of Beatrice, Neb., and Dorothy Siske of Tecumseh, Neb.; brothers and sisters-in-law, Bill (Virlene) Shaffer of Lincoln, Neb., Gene (Glenda) Anderson of Fairmont, Neb., Chuck (Nadine) Smith of Edmond, Okla., and Leroy (Donna) Bose of Stamford, Neb.; as well as many nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Don; sister, Anni Stuteville; brother-in-law, Gene Siske; and, sister-in-law, Marlene Kruse.

A Memorial Mass will be recited Thursday, April 11, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Lexington with Reverend Jorge Canela celebrating. Inurnment will be in the St. Ann's Catholic Cemetery in Lexington with Military Honors.

Memorial Book Signing will be held Wednesday, April 10, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington. Memorials are suggested to the donor's choice. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family through: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.