Donald "Donnie" W. Kruse

Donald "Donnie" Waynn Kruse, 81, of Zumbrota, passed away on Friday, December 12, 2025, at Mayo Clinic Hospital, St. Marys Campus in Rochester.

Donnie was born on July 26, 1944, in rural Goodhue to Ernest “Pat” and Florence (Sandstrom) Kruse. Following high school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Crops in 1964 and served two tours of duty in the Vietnam War, where he was an honor student in the Scout Dog Platoon. After returning from military service, he entered the workforce as a heavy equipment operator. He retired in 2004 from Ames Construction.

On August 5, 1972, he married “his beautiful wife”, Judith Kristine Hadler at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa, where he paid $5 extra to have “Here Comes the Bride” played as Judy entered the chapel. They made their home in Zumbrota and wintered in Arizona for 18 years. Following his retirement he enjoyed golfing, playing cards and meeting new friends. They had two children, Jason and Jennifer, who blessed them with four grandchildren, Payton, Halle, Paige and Preston.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Judy; son, Jason (Sarah); daughter, Jenny (Eric) Slimmer; granddaughters, Payton (Cole) Haferman, Halle Kruse and Paige Slimmer; grandson, Preston Slimmer; brother, Dale (Jackie); sisters, Elaine Gamst, Barb Paulsen and Carol (Keith) Olson; brother-in-law, Arnold (Dorothy) Hadler; sister-in-law, Doris Helgren and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother and many cherished loved ones.

Per Donnie’s request, no funeral services will be held. The family will hold a private burial service at a later date. Arrangements handled by Mahn Family Funeral Home, Larson Chapel.