On Sunday, October 30, 2022, Melvin James Kruse (Mel) passed away at his home surrounded by his family and loved ones at the age of 71. Mel was born on January 10, 1951 in Manistee, MI. to Harry and Bridget Kruse (Mantych). Mel is survived by his wife Linda Kruse (Wresinski), son Michael Kruse and daughter in law Svetlana Kruse (Danilich), grandson David, daughter Julie Kruse, daughter Jamie Charette (Kruse) and son in law Jacob Charette, granddaughter Eleanore (Ellie), brother Ken Kruse and sister in law Joann Kruse, sister Yvonne (Von) Kuk and brother in law Don Kuk, sister Faye Seaman, son in law Mark Fralic, numerous nieces and nephews, cousin Bob Mantyck, friends Chuck Owens and Mike Keson, and many others. Mel is preceded in death by his parents Harry and Bridget Kruse, "Uncle Dad" Edward Kruse, daughter Melissa Fralic, brother-in-law Joseph Seaman, nephew Robert Kruse, and close friend Kimberly Owens.

Mel attended Manistee Catholic Central (69). After graduating he attended Ferris State University earning an Associate's Degree in Auto Mechanics. Mel was then employed by Morton Salt Company where he worked as an equipment operator for 39 years. Mel served as a firefighter for Filer Township Fire Department for 33 years, holding many positions including Fire Chief. Mel was a bass drum player in the Filer Township Fire Department Band, which was a childhood dream of his. Mel was an avid auto mechanic for his friends and family. He preferred GM. vehicles, with his favorite being his 1961 Pontiac Ventura. In his spare time Mel enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, being outdoors on the farm with good friends, and vacationing in Missouri. Mel had an endearing quality with kids, especially his grandkids, always liked a good joke, and enjoyed being with close friends and family. Mel knew the value of a job well done, and believed that a job worth doing was worth doing right. Mel took pride in his work, and always found a way to serve others.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, November 4, 2022 at 3:00 PM at Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Manistee, with Reverend Richard Bartoszek celebrant. Burial will follow at Mount Carmel Cemetery also in Manistee.

The family will receive friends at Guardian Angels Catholic Church on Thursday evening, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM where the Evening Vigil Service will be prayed at 8:00 PM also at the church. The family will also receive friends at the church on Friday afternoon, one hour prior to the funeral mass.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Mel's name to Hospice of Michigan, Guardian Angels Historic Preservation Project, or the Melissa S. Fralic Scholarship Fund. Envelopes will be available at the church.

The Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee is in charge of funeral arrangements.