David Kruse

David Kruse was a man whose life was full of love. Jesus loved him – and although he couldn’t figure out why, he knew it to be true. He suspected that the real reason is that is the way Jesus is – He just can’t help but love, and not only David, but you as well.

David was born 11 January 1944 to Herman and Christina (Knoepfel) in Grand Island, Nebraska and he knew the love of his family including sisters Dorothy, Cheryl, Eva and Roselyn. He entered his eternal rest on January 18, 2022, due to covid. He was predeceased by his parents and sister Dorothy.

Growing up he attended Zion Lutheran School in Worms, Nebraska and then attended high school and college at Concordia Teachers College in Seward, Nebraska. He taught physical sciences and mathematics at St. John’s College in Winfield, Kansas from 1966 until the school closed in 1986. In Winfield he met Betty Sprehe and they were married 14 June 1970. Betty and David were parents to five adopted children: three sons (Craig, Wade and Clint) and two daughters (Tabitha and Wendy), so he experienced the love of wife and family. In later years he also was loved by ten grandchildren. David graduated from Kansas State University with an M.S. degree in physical science teaching and a PhD in physics education.

David and Betty moved to Colby in 1987 where David taught physical sciences and computer programming at Colby Community College until his retirement in 2012. David was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Colby and served as lay minister, choir director and in the handbell choir.

David enjoyed trees, hiking and learning. He and Betty were blessed to take many trips together and visited all 50 states and many foreign countries.

Visitation for friends will be from 3-5:00 p.m. Sunday, January 23, 2022, at Baalmann Mortuary, Colby. Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 24, 2022, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Colby. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Lead a Child or Trinity’s bell choir and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com