Howard Kruse

Howard Christian Kruse of Hardyville, was born December 25, 1936. On February 26, 2020, he was surrounded by his family when he passed over into eternity to be with Jesus.

He was predeceased by his parents, Howard and Kathrine Kruse, and his son, Wayne Kruse. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Kathleen (Harrow); his daughter, Susan Bowen; grandchildren Trevor Kruse and wife, Java, Katerina Kruse, Justin Bowen, Daniel Bowen, and wife, Amanda; one great-grandchild, Hudson Bowen; daughter-in-law, Holly Kruse; his brother, Richard Kruse, and wife, Louise, of Chestertown, NY, and many nieces and nephews.

Howard proudly served in the US Navy and then joined his father and grandfather in the office equipment business in Manhattan, NY. Later Howard and Kathleen returned to Deltaville, VA where they had met and were married. There he partnered with Bill Humphreys in Kilmarnock at Northern Neck Office Equipment. Then he branched off to a business machine office in Gloucester. He worked as a Game Warden part-time. He developed Bush Park Estates and Bay Country Estates subdivisions in the Hardyville area. Then he and his wife, Kathleen, opened HC Kruse Seafood on Bush Park Creek where they also shed and sold soft crabs to companies in the US and Japan. Later they built Kruse’s Wharf, a tackle shop with a boat ramp serving boat owners and fisherman.

Howard was devoted to his family and a good and true friend to many. Health problems in his later years prevented him from hunting, fishing, and enjoying time on the Bay. Instead, he devoted many hours to feeding birds and wildlife that would come to his backyard day and night.

A celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on March 7th at Lower United Methodist Church, Hartfield. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lower United Methodist Church, 120 Lower Church Road, Hartfield, VA 23071 or Middlesex County Volunteer Rescue Squad, 17684 General Puller Highway, Deltaville, VA 23043, or the charity of your choice. Arrangements by Faulkner Funeral Homes, Bristow-Faulkner Chapel, Saluda, VA.