Ricky Kruse

RICKY KRUSE

BETHALTO — Ricky H. Kruse, 62, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2016, after a long battle with multiple myeloma, at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.

He was born Dec. 29, 1953, in Wood River, Illinois, the son of Henry and Eileen (Feilbach) Kruse.

Ricky owned and operated Kruse Excavating. He enjoyed farming, spending time with his family and friends, and was always ready to have a good time.

On August 10, 1984, Rick married Gail L. Erzen, in Edwardsville. She preceded him in death, after 32 years of marriage, on Feb. 29, 2016.

Survivors include his parents; stepdaughter and her husband, Natalie and Matt Little of Moro; daughter, Heather Kruse Smith of Bunker Hill; five grandchildren, Abigail, Peyton, Paige, Kennedy and Brennen; four siblings and their spouses, Judy and Larry Henschen of Alhambra, Coann and Dan Connoyer of Midway, Mike and Vicky Kruse of Midway, Donna and Jim Stack of Collinsville; two brothers-in-law, Dan Erzen and his wife Marilyn of Bethalto, Earl Kivett of Wellesley, Massachusetts; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded by his sister-in-law, Vickye Erzen Kivett.

Visitation will be from 9 until time of service at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 9, 2016, at Elias, Kallal, and Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto, Illinois, with Pastor Lori Schafer officiating.

Cremation rites have been accorded.

Memorials may be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.

An online condolence and guest book may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.