Richard W. Kruse

Richard W. Kruse, age 85, a/k/a Dick or Rich, passed away on September 26, 2025. Originally from Duluth, Bloomington became his home. His early life began in humble and nomadic conditions, as his father worked for several years in various lumber camps in northern Minnesota before eventually settling in Duluth. At a young age Dick developed a passion for baseball, and eventually fast-pitch softball. He played 3rd base, was a switch hitter with home-run power and became highly sought-after to play on various traveling and tournament teams in the upper midwest. In the mid 1960s he was recruited to play for a fast-pitch team in Minneapolis, with the promise of a full time job and a free apartment. He and his first wife (Sherrill) ventured over the hill and left Duluth to settle in Minneapolis. He worked for Iowa Mutual Insurance for 20 years before closing out his career at American Family Insurance. He coached his son, daughter, and countless other kids in Bloomington Athletic Association (BAA) sports for many years. For 15 years, he and friend Jim Wanshura coached Babe Ruth, VFW, American Legion, and Bloomington amateur baseball teams. The synergy of this duo and their commitment to provide high quality coaching resulted in a high level of success, including winning VFW and Bloomington Bulldog amateur baseball state championships.
Dick will be remembered for his kindness, honesty, generosity, unassuming nature, and for having an endless supply of baseball caps, a full candy jar, and always being up for a late night party and a good time.
He is survived by his wife Janys, son Shawn (Mary), daughter Lee; nephews Kent Breimon and Troy Breimon, step-daughter Tami Zezulka (Jeff), step-sons Jon Gravning (Maydie) and Scott Gravning (Tracy); grandchildren Maya (Patrick), Katherine (Jack), Jimmy, and Mia; and step-grandchildren Charissa (Brandon), Dayna (Brian), Ashlie (Blake), and Paige (Eric).
Richard will be cremated with a private ceremony for close family. Memorials preferred to the Bloomington Athletic Association (BAA) to sponsor players who cannot afford the fee to play youth sports. Website https://baaonline.org/donate/.