Wayne Norman Kruse

Wayne Norman Kruse, age 74, of Amboy passed away on Sunday, May 19, 2024.

Celebration of Life will be held from 4-7p.m. on Thursday, May 23, 2024 at Northview – North Mankato Mortuary – 2060 Commerce Drive, North Mankato, MN 56003. 

Wayne was born on January 21, 1950 in Redwood Falls to Norman and Lavonne Kruse.  He grew up with his parents and sister, Wanda, and brother, Wesley, in Milroy until age 17 when they moved to Minneota.  He graduated high school from Minneota in 1968. He attended Southwest State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Music in 1972.  He later received his Master degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato.  He married Darlene Javens on September 18, 1971 in Marshall, MN and remained happily married for 53 years.  They had 2 daughters, Kristy and Karyn, just 13 months apart in 1976 and 1978.  He taught band and choir in Milroy for 6 years after graduation before moving to Amboy in 1978 where he lived for the next 46 years. He taught band and choir for the Maple River school district for 34 years where he also coached volleyball, basketball, and softball.  After retiring, he continued to substitute teach and drive school buses for the Maple River district.  Wayne loved to read, garden and spend time with his family especially watching his grandkids excel in things they loved.  

Wayne is survived by his wife of 53 years, Darlene; children, Kristy (Eric) Ortega, and Karyn (Jason) Bauer; grandchildren, Athen (fiancé, Levi), Haileigh, Makenna, Brielle, Isabelle, and Noah; siblings, Wanda (Pat) Spain, and Wesley (Lana) Kruse, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Lavonne Kruse.