Charles F. Kruse, age 96 of Defiance, peacefully passed away on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at The Laurels of Defiance. He was born August 10, 1928, to the late Fred and Pauline (Wesche) Kruse in Henry County, Ohio. He was a 1946 graduate of Ridgeville High School. Charles proudly served our country in the U.S. Army, stationed in Berlin and was a member of the 759th Army Military Police. On August 31, 1950, he married Virginia Degler, who preceded him in death on December 20, 2003. Charles was a faithful member of St. Stephen Lutheran Church and held various positions in church council. He was a lifetime member of American Legion #117 and VFW #3360, where he served as past member of the Military Honor Guard. He was also a former member of South Richland Fire Department, Ridge Runners Farm Bureau, and board member of Ayersville Telephone Board. Charles worked for several years at SK Hand Tool until his retirement. He had a true passion for working on his farm and loved his Black Angus cows. Charles took great pride in his work and loved spending time with his family and friends. Charles is survived by his children, George (Mary) Kruse of Defiance, Elizabeth (Jeff) Brubaker of Hamler, and Genevieve (Steve) Emenhiser of Defiance. He also leaves behind four grandchildren, Robert (Allison) Kruse of Defiance, Michael (Katrina) Kruse of Columbus Grove, Erin (Matt) Willis of Hamler, and Amanda McGraw of Napoleon, and 10 great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Virginia Kruse, his son Jonathan Kruse, sisters, Martha Flory, Marie Plassman and Doris Nagel, and special friend, Carolyn Pahl. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, October 16th at St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Defiance, Ohio, with Rev. William Stottlemyer officiating. Charles will be laid to rest at St. Stephen Lutheran Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be directed to the church. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.

St. Stephen Lutheran Church Defiance
30304 New Bavaria Road, Defince OH 43512
Tel: 1-419-395-1507
Email: ststephenlutheran43512@gmail.com