Ronald Kruse

Ronald W. Kruse

Ronald W. "Ron" Kruse, 88, of Findlay, passed away Monday, Dec. 4, 2023.

He was born Feb. 16, 1935, in Continental, to Wilbur W. and Marcella (King) Kruse. He married Marjorie H. Mangus on July 8, 1957, and they shared a wonderful life together for 66 years.

He is survived by his wife, Marge; son, David (Sue) of Kansas City, Missouri; daughter, Beth Kruse of Concord, Ohio; daughter, Marti (Tony) Price of Findlay; nine grandchildren; and five great-granddaughters.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Ann Kruse of Defiance; and granddaughter, Emily.

A graduate of Continental High School, Ron earned his college degree from Ohio Wesleyan University where he was a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity and was a graduate of University of Michigan Executive Development Program.

Ron had a long and illustrious career working at National Lime & Stone Co. He began his 54 years of service to the company by working summers during college as a Relief Plant Clerk. After college graduation in 1957, he joined the company full-time, working in the accounting department, then moved into sales and sales management, and ultimately led the company as President, as well as serving on the company's Board of Directors. After retiring in 2008, he continued his association with National Lime & Stone Co. as a consultant, overseeing the company's farmland and rental properties until Oct., 2023. This ended a 70-year affiliation with the company.

Active in both the National and the State Aggregate Associations, Ron was a longtime director for National Crushed Stone Association (NSA), earning their highest honor, the Wendt Memorial Commitment Award, in 2008. He was past President of Ohio Aggregate Association and of the Industrial Minerals Association, having received numerous awards from them, as well as being named an honorary life member of both associations.

Ron was also active in his community, having served as a member of Findlay Board of Education in the 1970s and President of the Board for three years. He was past President of Findlay/Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, was a 48-year member of Findlay Rotary and past President of that organization, served on the Boards of Directors of both the Camp Fire Girls and of the United Way of Hancock County, and was a past advisor for Junior Achievement. Ron was an original director of Big Brothers organization, of Findlay Amateur Hockey Association, and served on the first Board of Directors for the Hancock Recreation Center (CUBE). Most recently, he volunteered at CHOPIN Hall, believing in the importance of serving the community and other people.

Ron was an over 65-year member of St. Andrew's United Methodist Church and also a member of Findlay Country Club.

He had a passion for Findlay High School and University of Findlay sports, as well as Ohio State football and basketball. He cherished time with his family and displayed steadfast love and dedication to his wife, who was the love of his life.

Visitation will be 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, at Kirkpatrick-Behnke Funeral Home, Findlay. Ron's celebration of life will be 3 p.m. Saturday at St. Andrews United Methodist Church, Findlay.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Welcome To a New Life nonprofit, Findlay, or Ronald and Marjorie Kruse Children's Educational Endowment Fund at the Mazza Museum, University of Findlay.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.kirkpatrickbehnke.com.