Merle Beatrice Kruse, 86, was called to her Lord on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2007. She was born in Chicago on Sept. 6, 1920 to Robert and Ila (Hammer) Steckhan. She was raised in Chicago and attended school through the tenth grade.

Merle was married to Clemens G. Kruse in Chicago on Sept. 22, 1939. Clemens was a home missionary pastor for the Nazarene Church and the family moved frequently, serving many churches in the Midwest. They were transferred to Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Ill. Merle was employed at the university as the chapel secretary for about ten years. During her tenure there, she developed a very close bond with many of the students, serving as their wakeup calls for mandatory chapel services.

Merle and Clemens left Illinois and traveled to Nebraska, Colorado Springs and finally settled in Oak Harbor in 1981. She was a member of the Church of the Nazarene of Oak Harbor for many years and recently was attending the Bible Baptist Church of Oak Harbor. She loved the Lord and was a very devoted prayer warrior. She also loved her family and enjoyed walking.

Merle is survived by eight children and their spouses, Clemens G. and Sandy Kruse, Jr. of Leesburg, Fla., David E. Kruse of Bourbonnais, Ill., Jonathan E. and Terry Kruse of Oak Harbor. Ruth A. and Frank McGee of Oak Harbor, Martha J. and Charles Fairfield of Leesburg, Fla., Paul S. Kruse of Jacksonville, Fla., Mark W. and Toni Kruse of Mesa, Ariz., and Ila M. and Mike Schmit of Oak Harbor. Twenty-two grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren also survive.

Funeral services for Merle B. Kruse will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2, at Bible Baptist Church, 1701 Harns Road, Oak Harbor with Pastor Jeremiah Sargent and Pastor Ben Norris officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Leaf Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held at Burley Funeral Chapel on Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. Memorials may be made to Pregnancy Care Center, 670 SE Midway Blvd. Oak Harbor. Arrangements are entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.