Henry Byron Kruse, 95, Charles City

Henry Byron Kruse, 95, of Charles City, passed away Monday, March 25, 2024 at the 11th Street Chautauqua Guest Home in Charles City.

A memorial service for Byron Kruse will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at First Congregational Church in Charles City with Pastor John Tunnicliff officiating. Inurnment will be at Riverside Cemetery in Charles City.

A gathering of family and friends will be one hour before the memorial service at the church on Saturday.

Henry Byron Kruse, the son of Ferdinand and Gertrude (Barstow) Kruse, was born February 14, 1929 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. He graduated from Jefferson High School in 1948 and continued his education with a business degree from Drake University and the University of Iowa. Byron worked at JCPenney in management before returning to Drake University to earn his Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy. Byron then worked Osco Drug before owning Kruse Pharmacy in Charles City for 25 years (first on Main Street and then in Cedar Mall), worked at the hospital pharmacy, owned the Nashua pharmacy and worked at Easter’s Pharmacy until retirement.

Byron was united in marriage to Jane Thomas on June 28, 1952 in Jefferson, Iowa and this union was blessed with four children: Thomas, David, Kurt and Katherine. After Jane’s passing in 1998, Byron married Patricia Atherton in 2002. She passed away in 2022.

Byron was a member of First Congregational Church where he served on the Prudential Board, as a Trustee, on the Memorial Committee and Music Committee. He also served as Past President of the Retail Chamber of Commerce in Charles City and was involved with the Lions Club.

Byron enjoyed hunting, fishing, wintering in Florida for over 30 years, taking family fishing vacations to Minnesota, cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes as a lifelong fan and being a world traveler (with over 18 countries visited some of his favorite places being Russia, Africa and European countries several times).

Living family members include his children: Tom (Julie) Kruse, Kurt (Angel) Kruse and Kathy Kruse; grandchildren: Gabrielle (Morgan) Ivy, Alexander Parks, Kellie (Chris) Nixon, Kayla Kruse (Daniel Reiter) and Neil Mink (Leti Corral); great-grandchildren: Margaret Ivy, Audrey Ivy, Eleanor Ivy and Allister Mink; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

Byron was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Jane; second wife, Patricia; son, David; and brother, Hobart (Merry) Kruse.

Byron’s family wants to thank Ann, the staff at 11th Street Chautauqua Guest Home, and Dr. Royer for the excellent care he received.

Hauser Weishaar Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, 1205 South Main Street, Charles City, Iowa 50616 is in charge of local arrangements. Online condolences may be left on the Tribute Wall for the family at www.hauserfh.com.