Dr. Thomas J. "Tom" Kruse DDS

In Loving Memory of Tom Kruse, Dr. Thomas Joseph Kruse DDS, 86 of Newton, Kansas passed away peacefully on October 14th at Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice in Wichita, He was surrounded by his wife of 63 years and his children.

Born on January 5th, 1940, in Garden Plain, Kansas, Tom was the son of Joe and Agnes (Leis) Kruse. Tom was their only son and was the middle of 5 children. As a child, Tom was a typical small-town boy. He loved going fishing with his dad, playing pranks on his sisters, and playing baseball. On December 28th, 1963, he married Lettie Hilger, with whom he shared 63 years of beautiful marriage. Together they created a life full of joy while building a family that was raised in a house full of humor, care and love. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend who treasured his family. Tom attended Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas and received a four-year degree. He then was accepted in the dental program at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. After graduating from Creighton with his doctorate in Dental Surgery in 1966, he enlisted in the Air Force as a Captain and practiced dentistry. After leaving the Air Force he moved to Newton and opened his own Dental practice where he served his community for 50 years. He found lots of joy in gardening, fishing, bowling and watching the game with friends on Sundays. Those who knew Tom will remember him for his quick wit, humor, generosity and ornery behavior. His greatest joy was his family and will be remembered for the love, laughter, and memories he shared with those close to him.

He is survived by his wife, Lettie Kruse, his children; Gina Engel (Mark Engel), Todd Kruse (Jeannie Kruse), Wes Kruse (Melissa Pulsinelli), Scot Kruse (Stephanie Kruse), and Jason Kruse. His grandchildren; Bret Engel, Kobie Engel, Kylie Engel, Elise Kruse, Ben Kruse, Edena Kruse, Ophelia Pulsinelli, Marielle Pulsinelli, Emily Kruse-Logan, Adrianne Kruse, Lillian Kruse, Annabelle Kruse, Oliver Kruse and 3 great grandchildren; His siblings Susie Evans (Richard Evans), and many other loving family members and friends who will cherish his memory. He is preceded in death by his parents Joe and Agnus Kruse, his sisters Mary-Jo Reichenberger, Kathleen “Kitty” Johnson, and Margaret Herrman. 

Rosary will be held on Thursday, October 22nd at 10:00AM at Saint Mary Catholic Church in Newton. Memorial Mass will be at 10:30AM at Saint Mary Catholic Parish with The Reverend Andrew Bergkamp, Celebrant. Burial will follow at St Mary Catholic Cemetery

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice and may be left with Petersen Funeral Home.

Tom Kruse leaves behind a lasting legacy of love, family, hard work, patriotism, and kindness. Though he will be dearly missed, his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him