In Memory of Curly Kruse

Curly Kruse, age 79, of Ida Grove, Iowa, passed away Saturday, August 22, 2026, at the Horn Memorial Hospital in Ida Grove, Iowa.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 26, 2026, in the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ida Grove, Iowa. Rev. Neil Wehmas will officiate. Committal Services will follow in the Morgan Township Cemetery in Schleswig, Iowa.

A Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 25, 2026, in the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ida Grove, Iowa.  

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements.  Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Verdean Vern “Curly” Kruse, the son of Vern and Lucille (Backhaus) Kruse, was born on April 18, 1947, at Harley Hospital in Battle Creek, Iowa. From an early age, Curly developed the strong work ethic, curiosity, and gift for conversation that would remain with him throughout his life.

Curly graduated from Schleswig High School with the Class of 1965. Shortly after graduation, on June 30, 1965, he married his high school sweetheart, Linda Petersen, at Zion Lutheran Chapel in Denison, Iowa. In true Curly fashion, he was late to his own wedding because he was busy baling hay, a story that would become just one of the many memorable tales told throughout their life together. What began as a high school romance grew into a loving marriage that spanned 61 years. Together, Curly and Linda were blessed with two sons, Todd and Troy, and built a life centered around family, hard work, friendship, and plenty of laughter.

During high school, Curly worked on the farm for Freddie Backhaus. Following graduation, he attended electronics school in Des Moines, Iowa, while also working for Little Giant Cranes. After completing his schooling, Curly and Linda returned to Denison, where he began what would become a lifelong career in the telephone industry with Centel Telephone Company. His career carried him through numerous corporate changes and eventually brought the family to Ida Grove, Iowa. After 40 years of dedicated service, Curly retired in 2006. Among the highlights of his career was being honored in San Francisco as Employee of the Year with Frontier, a recognition that reflected the pride and dedication he brought to his work.

To most, Verdean was simply “Curly,” a name as familiar as the long beard that became part of his signature look. Curly was happiest when his hands were busy and there was someone nearby to visit with. He enjoyed gardening, woodworking, tractor rides, and sharing his seemingly endless supply of “knowledge” with anyone who happened to stop by. The “OPEN” sign proudly displayed in his garage window was more than decoration, it was an invitation. Friends, neighbors, and passersby knew they were welcome to stop, pull up a chair, and stay awhile. A quick visit with Curly had a way of becoming a much longer conversation, and few seemed to mind.

Curly also had a wonderfully creative and playful side. His homemade signs became well known around the community, often causing motorists to slow down for a better look and sometimes circle back for a second one. His cartoon drawings and handmade cards brought smiles to countless people. Curly faithfully kept track of birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions, making sure those around him knew they had been remembered. His creativity knew no boundaries; even waitresses might find themselves leaving the table with a one-of-a-kind Curly cartoon drawn on a napkin.

While Curly had many interests, nothing compared to the pride he had in his family, especially his grandchildren. To them, he was affectionately known as “Papa,” a title he treasured. He loved spending time with them, following their activities and accomplishments, and proudly serving as one of their greatest cheerleaders. Their successes became his successes, and he never missed an opportunity to let others know just how proud he was of them.

Curly also carried with him a love for adventure. A traveler at heart, he made his way through 48 states and ventured to the Boundary Waters an impressive 18 times. Those trips fed his adventurous spirit and provided him with even more stories to share when he returned home.

Few commitments, however, reflected Curly’s character more deeply than his lifelong dedication to Scouting. Beginning in 1971, Curly devoted more than five decades to leadership and service in the Boy Scouts, mentoring generations of young people and leaving an impact that extended far beyond campfires and merit badges. His years of service earned him numerous honors, including the prestigious Silver Beaver Award and the Order of the Arrow Vigil Honor. He proudly served as a Scoutmaster, sharing not only outdoor skills but lessons in responsibility, perseverance, leadership, and service to others.

A Master Gardener, Curly possessed a deep appreciation for the soil and the satisfaction of watching something grow. He especially enjoyed heirloom seeds, preserving their history and freely sharing both seeds and his vast gardening knowledge with others. Whether discussing the best way to grow a tomato, working on a woodworking project, taking a tractor ride, talking Scouting, or simply solving the problems of the world from his garage, Curly was always willing to share what he knew.

Curly was, above all, a people person. He was a storyteller, a teacher, a tinkerer, a gardener, a Scoutmaster, a traveler, a devoted husband, father, and Papa and a man who truly never knew a stranger. His garage door was open, his stories were plentiful, his opinions were freely shared, and there was always room for one more person to stop and visit.

For those who knew Curly, it will be difficult to pass by without thinking of one of his signs, receive a birthday card without remembering his thoughtfulness, tend a garden without recalling a piece of his advice, or sit down for a good conversation without wishing he were there to add a little of his own “knowledge.” Curly leaves behind more than memories; he leaves behind countless stories, lessons, drawings, friendships, smiles, and small pieces of a life generously shared with everyone fortunate enough to cross his path.

Left to carry on his legacy are his devoted wife, Linda Kruse of Ida Grove, IA; sons, Todd Kruse of Clive, IA and Troy (Melissa) Kruse of Ida Grove, IA; grandchildren, Lindsey (Sebastian Tovar) Kruse of Moville, IA, Mahala Kruse of Ida Grove, IA, John Kruse of Ida Grove, IA, and Brandon Kruse of Ames, IA; cousin, Jean (Del) Warren of Independence, MO; brothers and sisters – in-law, Loren (Sandee) Petersen of Vail, IA, Joe Petersen of Omaha, NE, Janice Steinkueler of Denison, IA, Lottie Krajicek of Dunlap, IA, and Lyle (Sara Lee) Petersen of Ft. Dodge, IA; extended family and a host of dear friends.

Curly was preceded in death by his parents, Vern and Lucille Kruse; parents-in-law, John and Loueen Petersen; brother-in-law, Jerry Petersen and sister-in-law, Tina Petersen.