It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Kevin Ray Cruse, husband, father, and brother. Kevin passed away in Gilbert, Arizona, on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at the age of 52, after a short and inspiring battle with T-cell lymphoma.

Kevin was born to Sheldon & Ethel Cruse in Waterloo, IA, on December 22, 1971. Kevin spent his youth surrounded by his dad, mom, big brother Steve, and extended family in Plainfield, Iowa and was blessed to consider his aunts, uncles, and cousins all as close friends. As a child, Kevin could be seen riding his bike around Plainfield, delivering the paper, and cheering for the Vikings and Hawkeyes. Then, as he grew, you would find him competing as an athlete on the Plainfield Pirates football field, basketball court, running track, and baseball diamond. Kevin also ventured into the fine arts by being in musicals, choir, and band during high school. The most important moment of Kevin’s life was his decision around the age of 10 to surrender his life to Christ.

Kevin attended college at Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa. During the 2nd week of his sophomore year, he met the love of his life while playing volleyball. Kevin quickly pursued Charlotte Haglund and she fell hard and fast for his gentle and calm spirit, as well as his dimples. They were married on June 4th, 1994, and were blessed with over 29 years together. The Lord blessed Kevin & Charlotte with 5 amazing children: Haley, twins Karson & Karter, Zachary, and Isabela. Kevin’s children brought him such joy, and he enjoyed the opportunity to coach them in the different athletic events they participated in and cheered them on in whatever endeavor they were called to pursue.

Kevin had the most amazing smile, was an amazingly giving person, and was a bit of a jokester. He served in the Army National Guard and volunteered as a fireman for the Hospers, IA Fire Department. He especially loved the opportunities he had to spread the love of Christ through mission trips to Haiti and the Rosebud Indian Reservation. One of his most recent joys was being a father figure while working with the children at Sunshine Acres Children’s Home.

Kevin is survived by his loving wife Charlotte, children Haley and her husband Austin Uecker, Karson Cruse, Karter & his wife Meghan Cruse, Zachary Cruse, and Isabela Cruse. Grandchildren Maverick & Steele Uecker. Brother and sister-in-law Steve & Angela Cruse; Father-in-law and Mother-in-law Lanny & Johnelle Haglund; Charlotte’s siblings; Matthew Haglund, Connie & Bryan Falk, Kimberly Brooks, and Christina & Nate Jensen, as well as many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Kevin was preceded in death by his parents, Sheldon and Ethel, and niece, Carolena Cruse.

We are so thankful for the extra 13 years we had with Kevin after he won his first battle with stage 4 cancer. Our lives are greater for having known him. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support in many heart-felt forms from too many people to name individually through prayer and visits, words of support, meals, financial support, and even random acts of kindness.

We will be honoring Kevin with a Celebration of Life on Saturday, April 27th, at 10:00 AM at the Hope Hub in Phoenix, Arizona. The service will be available online.

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