Gordon “Gordy” Belford Kruse was born on March 20, 1942, in Florence, Arizona, to Gordon and Allace Kruse. As the oldest of seven children, Gordy stepped naturally into the role of steady presence and guide. He was a mentor to his younger brothers, Daniel and Robert, and a constant, grounding source of care and encouragement for his sisters, Allace, Candis, Kathy, and Patricia. From early on, Gordy was someone others could count on - quietly, consistently, and without needing recognition.

In his youth, Gordy developed a love for racing that reflected something deeper about who he was. He wasn’t just drawn to speed, but to precision, discipline, and craftsmanship. He raced a cherry red car that he maintained with incredible care, tending to every detail himself. That same commitment to doing things well - really well - became a defining thread throughout his life.

Gordy carried that dedication into his work, where he built a long and respected career in construction. He was known as a skilled carpenter, a thoughtful construction superintendent, and later a trusted general contractor. His work can be seen in projects that required both technical expertise and a deep respect for craft, including St. Pius X Catholic Church in Mountlake Terrace, the reconstruction of Ray’s Boathouse Restaurant in 1987, the renovation of the Space Needle Restaurant, Eastern Washington public water access parks, and additions to Bellevue Downtown Park. Gordy believed in doing things the right way, and the care he put into his work left a lasting impact on the communities around him.

He was also, quite literally, a teacher in everyday life -an excellent driver both on and off the track who taught his brothers to drive, passing along not just a skill but a sense of confidence and calm. He taught them construction as well, sharing the craft that had been passed down from their father - a tradition that became a central thread in all of their lives.

In 1963, Gordy married his first love, Anne Kathleen Doty. While their marriage eventually ended, the two decades they shared were filled with meaningful moments and the foundation of a family. Later in life he found the love of his life, Judith (Judy) Duleba. With Judy, Gordy’s family grew to include her children, Krisna, Georgette and Erin, whom he loved deeply. Being their stepfather was not something he took lightly - it was one of the great joys of his life, and he showed up for them with the same steady care that defined everything he did.

After Judy’s passing, Gordy found companionship and happiness again with Babette Hansen, whose presence brought him comfort, support, and joy in his later years. His family is deeply grateful for the love they shared.

Outside of work, Gordy found peace and purpose in the outdoors. He was an avid and highly respected hunter who cherished time spent in nature, especially on the ranch he owned with his brothers along the Columbia River. That land, like so much in his life, was a place of connection - where stories were shared, skills were passed down, and time slowed just enough to matter.

Gordy was often described as quiet and shy, but those who knew him understood the depth of his presence. He didn’t need many words to make an impact. He showed his love through action - through a thoughtfully chosen gift, time spent caring for his grandchildren, patiently teaching a new skill, or simply showing up when it mattered most. Even when something wasn’t in his comfort zone, if it was important to someone he loved, Gordy was there.

His life was defined not by loud moments, but by steady ones. By care. By craftsmanship. By a quiet kind of power that made people feel seen, supported, and never alone.

Gordy leaves behind a legacy of love, integrity, and work done well. He will be deeply missed and always remembered.

Gordon is survived by his children Krisna Mohler, Georgette Duleba - Mace and Erin Duleba; his siblings Allace Plummer, Robert Kruse and Patricia Hale; his partner Babette Hansen; his grandchildren Jeremy, Sky, Caden, Daniel and Grace, and his many nieces and nephews. 

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