Leonard H. Kruse

COLUMBUS GROVE – Leonard H. Kruse, 96, of Columbus Grove, passed away at 4:58 a.m., Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Bridge Hospice, Findlay on what would have been his 76th wedding anniversary. He was born September 26, 1929, in Ottawa to the late Bernard and Elida (Klausing) Kruse. He met the love of his life, Ruth Stechschulte, when she transferred to SPPS on Sept. 24, 1946. They were engaged Dec. 8 (a holy day). He gave her flowers every year on this date to remind her of their continued love. They joined together in the sacrament of marriage on June 24, 1950, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church and were proud to be blessed with 72 beautiful years of marriage. She preceded him in death on October 12, 2022.

Survivors include seven children: Gary Kruse of Elida, David (Susan) Kruse of Lexington, Roger (Linda) Kruse, Kenny (Connie) Kruse, both of Columbus Grove, Sandra (Tony) Vorst of Kalida, Janine (Rex) Johnson of Ottawa and Bernard (Elizabeth) Kruse of Solon; 24 grandchildren: Adam Kruse (Tiffany Stechschulte), Amber (Dave) Farler, Austin (Jenna) Kruse, Amy (Justin) Martin, Summer Kruse, Abraham (Robin) Kruse, Ryan (Katie) Kruse, Aaron (Audrey) Kruse, Nathan (Becca) Kruse, Justin (Lelah) Kruse, Christa (Nathan) Wilson, Gabe (Nicole) Kruse, Kasey Kruse (fiancé Jack), Amanda Schnipke, Damian (Carrie) Vorst, Heather (Ross) Kleman, Abigail (Casey) Morman, David (Misty) Vorst, Josh (Emily) Johnson, Carly (Derek) Rieman, Carrington Johnson, Zachary (Lyndsay) Kruse, Kaylee (Jordan) Rodriguez, Julianna (Anthony) Krokos and Nicholas Kruse; 48 great-grandchildren with two on the way; and in-laws: Doris Diller of Columbus Grove, Ginny Kahle of Ottawa and Paul (Betty) Stechschulte of Columbus Grove.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was also preceded in death by two grandchildren: Lilly Kruse and Andrew Kruse; five siblings: Mildred (Isidore) Goedde, Betty (Dick) Stiles, Bill (Jane) Kruse, Martha (Sixtus) Schroeder and Rita (Mac) Erford; and in-laws: Nolan Diller, John Kahle and Linda Stechschulte.

Len had retired from Superior Metal (American Trim) in Lima, where he had been a tool and dye maker. He had previously worked for Rusco in Pandora and had also been a supervisor for the State Garage in Ottawa. He was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Columbus Grove. He was involved in Heartbeat for Putnam County. Len was very active in the Columbus Grove Knights of Columbus, where he was a 4th Degree Knight, past Faithful Navigator and past Grand Knight. He also served as a past District Deputy.

Len loved his faith and family functions. There was always abundance of great food and laughter at his gatherings. Len loved playing all card games, usually solo or poker with the adults or rummy and five crown with the grandchildren. He knew social card games were a great unifier and a good time to teach future generations about family values. He loved farming and sharing his abundant vegetables, fruits and fresh eggs with family and friends. Len loved his homegrown strawberries and sweet corn. He made sure to plant corn varieties that would span several weeks. He was always planning the next event, before the current event was over. Len planted his seeds that will last forever.

Funeral Mass will begin at 12:30 p.m., Monday, June 29, 2026, at St Anthony’s Catholic Church, Columbus Grove with Fr. David Ritchie officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, with a Knights of Columbus Rosary beginning at 8 p.m. at LOVE FUNERAL HOME, Ottawa and again on Monday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. prior to Mass at the church.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Anthony Catholic School, Columbus Grove.

Condolences may be expressed at www.loveheitmeyer.com