George D. Kruse, 67

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George D. Kruse, 67, of Girard, died unexpectedly on Friday, March 3, 2023, at Memorial Hospital in Springfield.

Cremation rites will be accorded by Heinz Funeral Home in Carlinville. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Mr. Kruse was born June 18, 1955, to George A. Kruse and Rosemary Simmons. He married Carol A. Watts on May 25, 1974, and she survives.

He was the owner of Kruse Enterprises. He started working at his father’s car dealership, George Kruse, Inc., when he was 13 years old, sweeping floors. He moved his way up, being a mechanic, parts manager, service manager and then car salesman. He started his own car dealership, Kruse Enterprises, in 1989.

Mr. Kruse was loved by everyone he came into contact with. His smile and laugh was contagious. He served as the chief financial officer on the Girard Fire Department board.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Lesley Kruse of Girard; son-in-law, Tony Brockhouse of Girard; grandson, Ayden Brockhouse of Girard; sisters, Kathy Kruse of Litchfield, Julie (Mark) Richison of Mt. Carmel, Dee (Brad) Reese of Auburn and Cindy Sabo of Springfield; brother, Danny Sabo of Palmyra; sister and brother-in-law, Faye and Jack Leonard of Girard; dear cousin, Jim (Debbie) Kruse of Farmersville; numerous nieces and nephews; and his best fur buddy, Louie.

Mr. Kruse was preceded in death by his father, George A. Kruse; mother, Eilene Kruse; brother, Gary Kruse; and mother and father-in-law, Trudy and CJ Watts.

Memorials may be directed to the Girard Fire Department.

Online condolences to the family may be left at www.heinzfuneralhome.com.