Gary Lee Kruse

Gary Lee Kruse, 83, of Grand Island, passed away on August 31, 2024 at Bickford Cottage. Visitation will be on Tuesday, September 3rd, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at All Faiths Funeral Home at 2929 S Locust St Grand Island. Service will be on Wednesday, September 4th at 10:30 a.m. at St. Pauls Lutheran Church at 1515 S Harrison St Grand Island. Pastor Jeff Pedersen will officiate. Memorials are suggested to St. Pauls Lutheran Church and Tehama Shrine. Gary was born on December 31, 1940 in Hildreth, Nebraska to John and Rose (Casper) Kruse. He was raised and received his education in the Hildreth area, graduating from Hildreth High School in 1958. He then went on to attend Kearney State College, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Education in 1962. After college, Gary started teaching and coaching football, basketball, and track at Halsey Dunning High school. In 1965, he became the High School Principal. Gary was named H.S. Coach of the Year in 1967 by the N.P. Buffalo Bills organization. Later that year, Gary started teaching and coaching basketball at Albion High School until 1973. Gary switched to his career in banking at Albion National Bank in 1973. He became the Executive Vice President and C.E.O. and a member of the Bank Board of Directors. In 1983, he moved to First National Bank in Kearney and served as the Senior Vice President and Senior Lender until 1987. He then went to City National Bank of Hastings, Overland National Bank in Grand Island, and finished his career as the Senior Vice President in charge of Business Development and Private Banking at Equitable Bank in Grand Island. Gary retired on July 3, 2008, after 35 years in the banking industry. On February 14, 1987, Gary was united in marriage to the love of his life, Ardith “Ardie” Swerczek. Between the two of them, they have six children, 14 grandchildren, one great grandchild, and one more on the way. The couple had a cabin at Sherman Lake for many years, where they enjoyed having the entire family together. Many summers were spent fishing, paddle boating, pulling kids and grandkids on the tubes, and enjoying many family meals. Gary was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith and was a member at St. Pauls Lutheran Church for many years. A few of the many organizations Gary was a part of include the Tehama Shrine Temple of Nebraska, where Gary was a Potentate as well as President of the Board of Directors; the Scottish Rite Organization; Riverside Golf Club; Saddle Club; and he was President of the Equitable Charitable Foundation Board of Directors. Gary also served on the Board of Directors for the UNK Alumni and Athletic Associations, the Grand Island St. Francis Hospital Foundation, Grand Island College Park, Hope Harbor, the United Way, and Grand Island Chamber of Commerce. Gary was a member of the Sertoma Club, Rotary Club, and the Nebraska Diplomats. In later years, Gary enjoyed volunteering at the State Fair, and with Ardie by his side, taking care of the landscaping at St. Pauls Church. In his spare time, he loved golfing and meeting his friends for coffee at The Palace every morning. He loved attending all of the grandkids’ activities, whether it was super hot or freezing cold. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Ardie; daughters Amy (Robert) Almquist, Jennifer (Cameron) McCarthy, Michelle (Eric) Heilig; step-children Angela (Joel) Buhr, David (Deb) Young, Darren (Tami) Young; grandchildren, Dylan, Kara, Evan, Payden, Thomas, Natalya, Jacoby, Charlotte, Ethan, Lauren, Allyson, Hannah, Maggie, and Elizabeth; great grandchild, Riley, and one more on the way; brothers, Ron (Sandra) Kruse, Tom (Deb) Kruse; sister, Jane Vanderbeek; and numerous extended family and friends. Gary was preceded in death by his parents John and Rose, and brothers Don and Bruce, and brother-in-law, Steve Vanderbeek.

Gary Lee Kruse

December 31, 1940 - August 31, 2024

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Gary Lee Kruse

December 31, 1940 - August 31, 2024

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support