ForeverMissed
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William 'Bill' Kruse, 82, passed away on February 19, 2017 with his niece by his side in Colorado Springs, CO. Bill was born in Thief River Falls to William Sr and Evelyn (Maakrud) on June 20, 1934. He grew up on the farm near St. Hilaire, MN (what is now 140th Ave & Center St SW, Thief River Falls). While the original barns are gone, as is the shed that he 'hammered thousands of nails into', you may still find some old fence posts he set many years ago if you explore the woods behind the home. The farm was an ideal location surrounded by his grandparents (Christian and Katherine (Gotburg)) and his cousins. Bill attended country school and graduated Lincoln High School in 1952.

After graduation Bill went to Minneapolis/St. Paul where he learned meat cutting and radio repair, trades he practiced throughout his life.  He left MN in the early 60s after listening to a radio show about San Francisco. He thought it sounded like a great place to be, so the farm boy just got on a bus and headed west. He had many fond memories of living with his Aunt Ida and his cousins in the Bay Area. He never met a stranger, and his openness to new people and possibilities led him to new friends in Salsolito, CA who got him interested in sailing. The rest is history.

Bill ended up living a simple-but-rich life on a 27 ft sailboat in Ala Wai Harbor Waikiki Small Boat Harbor for more than 40 years. He loved that his boat (Patsy Jean) was a Woollacott, handmade from a single tree in New Zealand (a lost art). He belonged to the Nawililiwili Yacht club and frequented the Hawaii Yacht Club, and the harbor gave him another venue to meet life long friends.

"Have fun while you're young!" was the sage advice Bill shared with everyone, and he was a role model for living fully in the present and following your true passions. Bill's joy for life and sense of adventure were not diminished by a battle with French Polio as a young adult, and he carried this strength forward. He often reflected on the adventures he had in his youth, even when failing health finally came in his latter years.  He had many great adventures including sailing the South Pacific; down the coast of North and South America; living in New Zealand; traveling throughout Mexico and the US; and touring Europe twice on a motorcycle. 'I can't believe I did it,' he would often say with a head shake. Bill had geniune friends in many countries, and could vividly recall the taste of an exotic fruit he once sampled, or the kindness of a stranger met during his travels. He pursued the worthy life-goal of accummulating great friends, experiences, and memories instead of gathering worldly possessions.  His was truly a life well-lived. 

As he reflected on his life he was in awe at not only the adventures and experiences he had, but also the many people who treated him like family and welcomed him. He was humbled by the generosity and love that so many gave to him, and felt so 'lucky' to have so many people in his life.

The family wants to thank his Hawaiian 'family' for making Hawaii his home for more than 40 years and taking great care of him. Also Judy Kibbey for inviting him into her CA home and welcoming him to the mainland in 2014. And finally to his CO family - Tricia, Tim and Parker Scudder who gave him unbounded love and care as he completed the final leg of his life's journey in CO.

Bill was welcomed into heaven with a lei greeting by his father and mother and several beloved aunts, uncles, cousins and life-long friends. He is survived by his brother Richard (Dick) Kruse (St. Louis Park, MN) and sister Karen (Kruse) Steffen (Barron, WI) and his nieces and nephews: Tim Kruse (St. Louis Park, MN), Julie (Johnston) Wood (Memphis, MO), Tina (Kruse) Strickler (Phoenix, AZ), Chas Johnston (Seattle, WA), Chris Johnston (Ridgeland, WI) and Tricia (Kruse) Scudder (Colorado Springs, CO). He is also survived by a '52 Dodge pick-up (whereabouts unknown), a few good motorcycles with lots of miles and the Patsy Jean (Waikiki Harbor) - may their owners continue the adventure inspired by Bill.

According to his wishes his body will be donated to science to help find a cure or relief for others suffering from his medical conditions.  

Because his friends and family are spread all over the world, at this time this site will be the only way to share memories and honor his life. In lieu of flowers, please support the organizations that meant a lot to him:

Hawaii Meals on Wheels - He loved his meals on wheels and the people who brought him the meals and shared a story.

NationalMSSociety - He wanted to help find a cure for diseases where there was a disconnect between the brain and the central nervous system.

Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy - He suffered from Peripheral Neuropathy and his nervers were damaged by Guillain-Barré Syndrome early in his life. While it limited his mobility, it didn't limit his gumption. (Tough Old Goat)

Any organization that supports ocean or wild life which brought him much joy!

April 10, 2022
April 10, 2022
Missing you William Fred Kruse
AKA he’d call himself “The old Goat”
February 19, 2022
February 19, 2022
The world is too quiet without your wisecracks.
You’d always say “There’s more Bulls than bullshit”.
Your knowledge was incessant......I sure miss you William Fred Kruse
February 22, 2021
February 22, 2021
Four years have passed since you left us. You wouldn't believe how crazy this world has become and the news we watch; if we choose to.I know how disgusted you'd be,and say enough is enough. I live my life simple everyday like you spoke of.Enough for me and my Family. I miss you so much....you sure knew how to make me Laugh❤️
February 25, 2019
February 25, 2019
I believe Bill said 52 Dodge was on Maui???
His BMW was sold to a fellow in Hesperia, Randy? He owned a upholstery shop.
He was going to restore it. One of these days I will swing bye and see if he's finished with. Bill LOVED that motorcycle. He had it shipped to San Diego area. We drove down with Trailer to bring it home to Hesperia, but it wouldn't fit, and my Jeep couldn't accommodate any Larger trailer, so we gassed it up and hit the 15 freeway.
People were taking pictures of Bill from their car's. It was quite an adventure again.
We made it to Murrieta where my Daughter Jasmine lives,spent the night, and continued to Hesperia the next day.
February 22, 2019
February 22, 2019
You are TRUELY missed "WILLIAM FRED KRUSE".
You had such a profound impact on my spirit. I've never met such an adventurous soul. May you be in charge of the rope tricks with your Angelic friends.
Miss you
February 20, 2019
February 20, 2019
Bill , I think of you often and want you to know what a special place you hold in my heart . It was special being your friend.
August 12, 2018
August 12, 2018
My friendship with Bill goes back to 1960 when we met in San Francisco. Bill was a wonderful friend and we shared many good times. As I read the prior tributes to Bill I see many who felt as I did that Bill was a dear friend who will always be remembered I also had exciting times riding on the back of Bill's motorcycle as he showed me San Francisco. He always talked of the many friends he met on his journeys. He truly was an inspiration of a life well lived.
Bill you will always be remembered . Aloha and much love my friend .
February 19, 2018
February 19, 2018
Bill this world is too quiet with you gone.The phone calls were the best when you would call me Judith Burke Kibbey where R U One of your favorite sayings was there's more bullshit than Bull's !!!
RIP my dear friend
I miss your Majestic personality
February 19, 2018
February 19, 2018
Bill is still in our thoughts frequently; we remember him for his kindness, his friendship and most of all for his warm and gentle nature. His long telephone visits gave us much pleasure. Of course, Bill's dedication to maintaining "our" BMW motorcycle was a tribute to our friendship! Bob and Nancy Smith
August 11, 2017
August 11, 2017
HAPPY BIRTHDAY my BEST FRIEND ever I MISS YOU ....... You taught me so much about Life. A Beautiful butterfly, blue sky, birds chirping, the warmth of the Sunshine. You are still with us all. William Fred Kruse jr. I would say to you on the phone when I called you......and you would reply "Oh, Princess Judith Ann Kibbey......where are you?
Rest in Peace my second Father I called you and I was the Daughter you never had you would say.
"Sober again"....... you would reply when you answered the phone
The world is FULL of God's BEAUTY
May 6, 2017
May 6, 2017
My connection with Bill goes back to 2003 while I was cruising in the South Pacific. While visiting Rarotonga I met Don Silk boat builder, sailor, ship captain and Port Captain of R Harbor and met Bill Kruse for the first time. I soon discovered that Bill was the current owner of the Patsy Jean built by Don Silk. What a coincidence!

Bill and I soon became fast friends with common interest in sailboats, motorcycles and fighting with the Alawai Harbor management. Over the years I spent a lot of time visiting on Bill's boat helping him with the engine or with his motorcycle and talking sea stories. When my wife and I wrote a book about our sailing adventures Bill bought more books than anybody, if you were on his mailing list you probably got one for Christmas.

Exciting times riding on the back of Bill's motorcycle through Honolulu traffic when he could really only see out of one eye. Or taking the Patsy Jean around the outer channel marker for the last time with only one cylinder running just to prove to the Harbormaster we could do it. Finally the engine stopped short but with Bill's steady hand on the helm we had just enough momentum to glide the last 200 feet gently back into her slip.

In all Bill was a great sailor and a hell of a nice man. Always treated me like family, maybe like the son never had. We miss him.
April 25, 2017
April 25, 2017
Bill was a member of the Hawaii Post Polio Network and attended many meetings on his motorcycle. He was a great guy and neat to be around, especially when he recalled stories of his sailing days. We lost track of him and often wondered where he had sailed off to and now we know. He will always be remembered. Rest in Peace Bill. Aloha
April 23, 2017
Sharing stories with Bill about the Marqeusas was always an experiment in who did we know in common from his voyages and our voyages many years later. Turns out....we did know some of the same people!

Bill often brought friends and relatives to the Ala Wai fuel dock, aka Poor Boyz Yacht Club, for lunch and would slap down his credit card as he walked in to make sure all was taken care of before anyone started ordering lunch! Several times a week Bill would show up with a cake or pie for all of us at the fuel dock. His ulterior motive was to be able to have a piece of that pie after his lunch!

Bill was a friend of everyone in the Ala Wai Boat Harbor and we all looked after him. If he didn't show up for a few days we went knocking on his boat and he would assure us he was fine....and then show up the next day for lunch.....with a new friend.

Nana Bill...see you next time we're in the Marquesas. 

Carey, Wally, Audrey, Albert, Lora, Sarah, Sara and Clara
The Poor Boyz Yacht Club crew
March 25, 2017
March 25, 2017
Having a boat in the Ali Wai Harbor in Hawaii, I met Bill about 1980 and we became friends. In the 1990's I sold Bill my pride, a BMW motorcycle. Shortly thereafter, he rode the bike around Europe for four months and then brought it back to Hawaii. Several years later, he took the bike back to Europe for another several months of riding, then brought it back to hawaii again. Later, he attached a sidecar, permitting use of the machine by enabling riding with his unfortunate medical condition. Selling his beloved boat, he moved to California in 2015, bring along the bike. Shortly after he sold the machine, having almost 300,000 miles on it. I last saw Bill last year in Victorville. My wife Nancy and I had lunch with him. We enjoyed many phone conversations over the years, retelling sailing and bike stories. Bill was a wonderful man and a good friend. Over the years, when in the islands, Nancy and I would always enjoy visiting with Bill and usually have lunch. Many times we had sweet and sour soup at his favorite Chinese Restaurant. He will be missed! Bob and Nancy Smith, Las Vegas, Nv.
March 15, 2017
March 15, 2017
Bill was a genuine, kind-hearted soul who I was fortunate to get to know over the last few years of his storied life. I remember fondly how he lit up whenever we talked about traveling; him riding around in his old BMW motorcycle; and his usual reminder to "have fun while you're young"...

You are greatly missed you "old goat". Love and aloha on your next adventure.
March 14, 2017
March 14, 2017
I first met Bill in 2010 when I was a volunteer for the Friendly Neighbors' Program in Waikiki and over the years, he became ohana.

My memories include: visiting and hanging out on the back of the boat, making shopping trips to Don Quijote, lunch dates to Bale for his favorite tuna sandwich (after the harbor grocery that had his favorite beef stew closed down - much to his disdain), sunset dinners at the Barefoot Beach Cafe in Waikiki, listening to and being inspired by his many travel stories, humbly turning down rides in the sidecar, helping him joyfully transition back to the boat after being land-locked for a few months, looking through old photo albums of his adventures, and feeling heartbroken (yet thankful that he was going to be taken care of) when he left the island for good.

Bill was generous, inspiring and so kind-hearted. Whenever we connected, he always asked about my family and genuinely cared how they were doing. He holds a special place in my heart and will be greatly missed.

*A hui hou Bill~

Aloha,
Angie
March 4, 2017
March 4, 2017
Bill was a dear family friend. He spent many a holiday dinner at our home in Honolulu where he would regale us all with his stories and his rope tricks. 

The man was generous to a fault. He was a very giving individual.

He touched our lives in a very special way and will be forever in our hearts.
February 24, 2017
February 24, 2017
Bill was a very special person. When I was a teenager he used to visit my mom and dad (Herman & Mildred Kruse) in Sacramento often and they enjoyed his visits. Much later I was able to visit "the cousin that lived on a boat in Hawaii" with my husband, children and grandchildren. He entertained us with his stories and rope tying skills. From then on we corresponded via e-mail and looked forward to our next visit. My last visit with Bill was in Hesperia, California and I found him very happy with the desert quietness. I was able to share pictures of the Kruse Reunion in Thief River Falls with him. I loved him because he was my cousin and I knew he loved us too.
February 22, 2017
February 22, 2017
"B" never forgot to call us, on a regular basis. He sent gifts. He sent love. He will be so very missed by my wife and me. We will so miss seeing "B" on the phone.  We know he's back on his boat and his motorcycle, and living it up again.  He always treated my mom and dad, Bob and Lois Thompson, like they were so special. I didn't know, until i grew up, that he was my cousin, not my uncle. Regardless, he was my "B", and I loved him deeply.
February 20, 2017
February 20, 2017
Fair winds and safe harbors from here on. 
Thanks for sharing some of your journey with the Grimstrups.

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Recent Tributes
April 10, 2022
April 10, 2022
Missing you William Fred Kruse
AKA he’d call himself “The old Goat”
February 19, 2022
February 19, 2022
The world is too quiet without your wisecracks.
You’d always say “There’s more Bulls than bullshit”.
Your knowledge was incessant......I sure miss you William Fred Kruse
February 22, 2021
February 22, 2021
Four years have passed since you left us. You wouldn't believe how crazy this world has become and the news we watch; if we choose to.I know how disgusted you'd be,and say enough is enough. I live my life simple everyday like you spoke of.Enough for me and my Family. I miss you so much....you sure knew how to make me Laugh❤️
Recent stories

My freind in Rehab Hospital , Hawaii

April 22, 2017

I first met Bill in the Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific (1974), Hawaii. He was my room mate as the staff pair us together because we both had the same challenges (Guillian-Barre syndrome) and we could share our concerns as we both move towards recovery.He was older by 15 years so I listen to his experiences, wisdom, and living life now attitude. I will never forget his many stories about sailing the South Pacific down to New Zealand and island hopping to the Cook islands, Marquesias, islands of Tahiti and back to Hawaii. The look in his eyes reflected his love for sailing whenever the subject came up. I remember a funny time at the hospital when we were given voting ballots for Hawaii and the funny thing is that we always made humor of politicians prior to election time. We agreed that the 2 dominant political parties did not offer a viable candidate that was worth voting for ( same story today). But there was a candidate. He was from the island of Molokai and a advocate of Marijuana comming from the Green party. His platform was for the people, not the party.So instead of wasting our votes, guess who we voted for.?? We shared many laughs, thoughts and aspirations and I nevergot bored. For some reason, I have been thinking of Bill these past several weeks until something led me to todays obituary section. Thanks Bill for sharing your lifes experiences with me in times of our recovery while in the hospital. I am forever grateful for your freindship........Alben Aduca    

Hat

March 2, 2017

Bill rode his motorcycle everywhere and almost always wore a baseball cap.  The wind snatched away so many hats as he rode that every time his friends Bruce and LeRoy saw a hat lying in the street, they would look at each other and say, "Bill was here".   Last week, we were at our favorite beach and we reminisced about Bill and his many lost hats.  As we were sitting there enjoying our day, a green hat washed up on the shoreline.  Bruce went to retrieve it, turned it over and the message on the hat was "Blessed".  We agree -  we were blessed to have been a part of Bill's life.
LeRoy & Cathy, Bruce & Susan 

Patsy Jean

February 26, 2017

Had a photo of the "old tub," as Bill called her, while it was in dry dock the last time. That boat was as big a part of Bill's identity as his motorcycle with sidecar and the old truck. Even after Bill moved to the mainland, we still refer to the Ala Wai boat harbor and the place the Patsy Jean was berthed as "Bill's Place".

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