Steve Lesly Kruse

Steve Kruse, of Platte City, MO, passed away peacefully on August 29th 2025 surrounded by family. He was 72 years old. Steve was born in Minnesota and later moved with his family to Earlville, Illinois. After graduating high school - where he was a standout athlete in basketball, football, track and baseball - he served in the U.S. Navy as part of the Nuclear Power Program, stationed on the USS Bainbridge. Following his service, Steve returned to Illinois before eventually settling in Platte City, Missouri when he began work as an airline mechanic at the TWA Overhaul Base. He later retired from American Airlines in 2017. On May 17, 1980, Steve married Anne (Nyman) Kruse, and together they shared 45 wonderful years. They renewed their vows this year on May 17th, 2025, their anniversary. As a lifelong athlete, Steve excelled at bowling, tennis, running, skydiving, and golf. Marathoning became an obsession for him. He was the 109th person to run a marathon in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., achieving the feat in just 10 years, including 23 marathons in a single year. He frequently paced marathons to help other runners reach their goals, and was known for running in costume and handing out candy during races near Halloween. After retiring, Steve enjoyed life on the golf course and would celebrate his birthdays by playing 100 holes in a single day. Shiloh Springs Golf Course became like a second home, where he forged many close friendships in an already full life. If the weather wasn't suited for golfing, you would often find him with a sudoku puzzle in hand or playing arcade games. Steve was deeply devoted to his family and friends. He was an active presence in his children's lives, serving as Cubmaster for Pack 248, Scoutmaster for Troop 842, and coaching youth soccer and baseball. After becoming a grandfather, Steve relished playing with his three grandchildren, who looked up to and admired him. Steve was always ready to help friends and family, often before they asked. He assisted with moving, home repairs, replacing decks, and mowing lawns. No task was too big. Steve is survived by his beloved wife Anne; his children Christopher (Elizabeth Wheeler) and Michael (Heather); his daughter-in-law Valerie French; his grandchildren, Violet, Robin, and Theodore; his siblings Ron (Lynn) Kruse and Terri (Jeff) Simpson; his in-laws Eugene Nyman, Eleanor Nyman (Loren Best), and Mary Lou Kruse; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Phyllis Ragan Kruse and Donald Kruse, and brother-in-law Richard Nyman (Connie). Steve's generosity and love for family and friends will be remembered always by those who knew him. A visitation will be held 4:00 – 6:00 P.M., Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at Rollins Funeral Home in Platte City, MO; followed by a 6:00 p.m. funeral service with military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be given to: bloodcancerunited.org. Arrangements By: Rollins Funeral Home-Platte City, MO-Ph. 816.858.2129. www.rollinsfuneralhome.net