David Kruse

Dave passed away by a sudden illness surrounded by loving family and friends on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at the Elliot Hospital in Manchester, NH.

He was born to Lawrence and Taimai (Kaipainen) Kruse on May 24, 1947 and raised in New Rochelle, NY.  He played hockey in high school as a goalie.  Dave graduated in 1965 from New Rochelle High School.  He attended Keene State College in the late 60’s.  Dave worked for Capital Distributors and ran his own beer tap cleaning business.  He then worked for Great State Beverages, Inc. for 35 years until his retirement in 2013.

Upon retirement, Dave loved to play golf, travel and enjoy life with his loving wife of 11 years.

He enjoyed ski trips to Park City, Utah with great friends, Jim and Wendy Hayes and Carol Leonard.  Switzerland vacations with niece, Bonnie and her children; William, Simon, Adam and Sarah were always such great times and glad we shared them together.  Dave enjoyed a ski trip of a lifetime to Switzerland with a wonderful friend, Will Singleton. Waterville Valley was another favorite to ski as well as the Northern Country.

Dave loved boats, sailing, being on the water, Disney, Florida and especially Hawaii.

He was a Budweiser sales rep at New England College where he made a ton of friends to this very day.  NEC held a very special place in his heart because of all the friends he made over the years.  Dave drove friends to the Budweiser Brewery in a bus and wore his propeller hat to always make times fun.

Friends share thoughts of their dear friend and mentor.  Dave taught so many about the beer business.  Dave always gave his time, knowledge and mentoring which always made him feel special.  He was the kind of guy who would always take care of his friends because he cared so genuinely about them.

He was also known as Chef Blidburg in an iconic Busch advertisement.

Dave loved golf almost as much as he loved all his friends.

One of the highlights of the golf season was a pilgrimage to Montreal.  Started by friend, Jim Hayes in 2000, Dave quickly signed up to be part of the eight for the 2001 trip playing at Lachute, Royal Montreal and Rosemere.  In the sixteen years, Dave only missed the inaugural trip.

Krusie also played in the Harvest and the Myles Standish Invitational Golf Tournament at Beaver Meadows, which he won in 1997 and 2016.

Once again, if it has something to do with golf, you could count Krusie in. Through the Concord Country Club years, you could find him playing in the men’s league, The “Hatred”, The Bank’s Member Guest as well as the Steenbeke bus trips.  Concord Country Club was his favorite course because of all his wonderful, loving friends that made him feel special.  Bus trips every Thursday and tournaments galore were a big part of this life.

Being a hockey goalie growing up, he always had an interest in this sport and     supported the NH Legends of Hockey annually at their golf classic and induction ceremony.

Krusie was frequently involved with the annual sailboat racing program at Lake Winnipesaukee known as the “Michelob Race for the Ribbon”.  He could usually be found aboard the committee boat helping to identify the winner and then would be totally immersed in the “victory celebration” at (Merrill) Fay’s Boat Yard in Gilford.

Krusie was instrumental and a huge part of supporting the Merlino’s Invitational Golf Tournament (North Conway) and helped it grow into one of the finest charity events in the State of New Hampshire.

He also enjoyed car racing and Indy Cars.

Krusie and wife, Sue, enjoyed their life together vacationing in Switzerland, visiting best friends, Charlie and Tara in Florida, had a Hawaii vacation recently, which was a fantastic trip, and loved life with their three beautiful, loving dogs that miss their Papa terribly.  The love they shared for one another was a very special one.

Dave is survived by his loving wife, Suzanne Rivard-Kruse, daughter, Kimberly Gallagher-Kruse of Gold Canyon, AZ and her children.  Nieces, Bonnie Burns-Mann, Deborah Shaw and nephew, Jamey Lawrence Burns.  Great niece, Sarah Mann, great nephews, William, Simon and Adam Mann, along with friends from all over the world and a huge, loving extended family.  He is predeceased by his parents; sister, Nancy Stratton and nephew, Robbie Burns.

Krusie has so many friends that wherever he went, he could call them and meet for dinner, ask a favor or just catch up.  He had that loyalty about him, and everyone loved him.

He was always doing for others and making others feel special and loved.  Krusie was that special person that will always remain in our hearts. May his memory be eternal.

Calling hours will be scheduled, Friday, June 14th from 4:00 -7:00 pm at Durning, Bykowski & Young Funeral Home, 285 Manchester Street, Manchester, NH (Corner of Beech).

A memorial service will be scheduled on Thursday, August 29th at 1:00 pm at The Webster Congregational Church, 1011 Long Street, Webster, NH, 03303. Celebration of Life to follow after church service to Alan’s of Boscawen Restaurant, 133 N Main Street, Boscawen, NH 03303.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to The McDonough Scholarship Foundation.