Vernon G. Kruse

LANCASTER - Vernon G. Kruse, age 84, of Lancaster, WI formerly of Dubuque, IA, passed away surrounded by family on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. He was born January 16, 1941, in Dubuque, IA, the son of Gilbert and Lenora Kruse. Vernon farmed with his dad on their farm by John Deere in Dubuque, IA. He married Carol Ann Stoney on October 3, 1976, and they bought their farm at Hurricane. Vernon was a 4-H leader in Dubuque for many years, after he left as a leader, he stayed part of the 4-H as a Sheep Leader for Dubuque 4-H. He was also a sheep superintendent for the Grant County Fair in the Sheep Department for many years. Vernon loved standing on the side lines watching the show, helping the kids and was there in case one of his girls or grandkids won. He was a member of the Grant County Antique Collectors Club, Lancaster FFA Alumni, and the Grant County Cattleman. Vernon was a farmer through and through. It didn’t matter where he went, or what he and Carol Ann did, he farmed the whole way. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, but most of all farming. Vernon was a person that could start up a conversation with anyone. He was a beef, crop and vegetable farmer for all his 84 years of life. Vernon worked at the Beetown Livestock Exchange starting in 1976, where he worked until he became the manager of the barn and eventually bought the sale barn in 2002. Here he got to do what he loved by working with cattle and farmers. While owning it, Vernon continued to have cattle sales. This was a family event, he wanted nothing more than to do everything with family. Vernon also worked for Equity Livestock in Waukon, IA for 29 years. He worked side by side with his family in their garden. Working as a child with his parents and later with his wife and kids. Vernon also went to Dubuque’s Summer and Winter Farmers Market, being the third generation of his family and passing it down two more generations. He loved seeing all the people and talking with them. Vernon loved his grandkids so much. He was always excited after a show or game for the kids, asking “How’d they do, did they get anything?” Vernon was often seen at the Dubuque Casino. This was his church, always praying to hit that big jackpot. Abby was Vernon’s side kick out in the garden or field, she was his best friend (dog), being referred to as the girls little sister as dad loved her as much as his two girls. You would usually find him helping at the Dairy Breakfast and he never missed. Vernon helped parking cars for many years and later worked at handing out door prizes. You would also see him working the ring at the Grant County Fair. Vernon was the most kindhearted person you would ever meet. He would do anything for anyone. The last couple of years he farmed with his two daughters and son-in-laws. Vernon loved collecting old antique John Deere Tractors. He enjoyed taking them to the fair to show off his love of collecting. Vernon made a legacy for himself that will live on forever with having the “Kruse Girls”. He loved his girls and everything they did from showing sheep, judging, music concerts and the families they have made.

Vernon is survived by his wife, Carol Ann; their daughters: Amy (Ryan Wood) Kruse-Knoble and Jill (Shane) Kruse-Drinkwater; grandchildren: Shelby Knoble, Anna and Henry Drinkwater; and his beloved dog, Abby.

He is preceded in death by a grandson, Kodi Knoble; and two sisters: Olive (Jiggs) Steiner and Beatrice (Dave) Raab.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory in Lancaster with Pastor Mark Hoehne officiating. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery, Lancaster. Family and friends may call on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home. Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory in Lancaster is assisting the family.