Duane A. Kruse –Born May 12, 1942, and passed on October 26, 2025 at 83 years of age. He was raised in Palmer, Iowa and most recently resided in Elk Grove, California, passed on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at the Methodist Hospital in Sacramento, California. He was the son of Albert and Emma (Siebels) Kruse. He was educated in Palmer schools and graduated from Palmer High School in 1960. During his school years Duane worked for his dad in his grocery store.
Duane attended business school in Fort Dodge, Iowa and earned his CPA. He then moved to Laurens, Iowa to be a partner in running Food Pride grocery store with his brother Don. He moved to Victorville, California where he met his wife Anita of 43 years. Together they ran a local deli shop in Apple Valley, California. He also earned his 43 year AA chip for his sobriety.
After retirement, Duane and his wife moved to Spirit Lake, Iowa where they spent 12 years enjoying time outside gazing at the lake. From planting a garden, and feeding ducks, geese, squirrels which provided hours of enjoyment, they also enjoyed entertaining their friends and families at the lake. As a sports fan, Duane enjoyed cheering on his teams: the Minnesota Vikings, and the New York Yankees.
Survivors include his wife, Anita of Elk Grove, California, son, Dana (Rilee) Kruse of Las Vegas; son, Dave (Celia) Kruse of Spring Valley Lake, California; stepson Brian (Alison) Schnabel of Menifee, California, and stepdaughter Kimberly Holder (Ken) of Sacramento, California, and many nieces and nephews. He is survived by sister in laws; Shirley (Don), Arlene (Dennis), and Marilyn (Daryl).
Duane was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Daryl, Don and Dennis Kruse.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
9189 East Stockton Boulevard, Elk Grove, CA 95624
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.


What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more