Darryl Kruse

Darryl Kruse, of Lanark, IL passed away Saturday, July 20, 2019, at Allure Nursing Home of Mt. Carroll, with his loving family by his side. Cremation rites will be accorded. A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, August 3, 2019 from 12pm to 2pm at Law Jones Funeral Home in Mt. Carroll. A time of sharing will take place at 1pm. A memorial fund has been established in Darryl’s name.

Darryl was born April 11, 1937 in Stillman Valley, IL, the son of Lester and Doris (Butterbaugh) Kruse. He attended Lanark schools from childhood through high school. After high school, Darryl married Hazel Zumdahl; together the two had four children. Later in his life, after Hazel’s untimely passing, Darryl found his wife of 41 years, Marcie McKean. They were married in Livingston, MT on April 11, 1978, on Darryl’s 41st birthday. Marcie always said, that made it pretty hard for him to forget their anniversary. With the addition of Marcie and her two children, Darryl’s clan grew to eight. Ultimately a seventh child was brought into this world, growing Darryl and Marcie’s family to a total of nine.

Darryl loved to travel, and was fortunate enough to make a career out of what he loved. He became a long haul trucker, hauling everything from livestock to chemicals, all over the country. Throughout his 40 plus years driving, he worked for companies such as Siber Tank Line, Yellow Freight, Warner Lambert, Glen Wall Trucking, and Briggs Transportation. When he wasn’t hitting the open road, Darryl had a many interests that kept him busy. He enjoyed a good football game or NASCAR race, riding his motorcycle, watching old westerns (especially Lonesome Dove), listening to old country music, and getting his hands on anything that would satisfy his over-sized sweet tooth. But most of all, Darryl loved spending time with his family. As his grand kids came of age and began to participate in sports and activities, you could be sure to see Darryl, cheering them on.

Darryl will be dearly missed by his wife, Marcie; four sons, Roger (Julie) Kruse of Lanark, IL, Rodney (Lori) Kruse of Monticello, IL, Randy (Kathleen) Kruse of Freeport, IL, and Kelly (Shanda) Miller of Dixon, IL; 3 daughters, Kathi (Michael) Conner of Chicago, IL, Kirsten Fletcher of Hilton Head Island, SC, and McKala Kruse of Chicago, IL; one brother Duane (Doris) Kruse of Lanark, IL; two sisters, Diane (Frank) Konfrst of Blaire, NE, and Darlene Breemes of Greenwood, NE; 15 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Darryl is preceded in death by his parents, and his former wife.