Richard Kruschke 04/04/2011

Richard E. Kruschke age 85 a life-long resident of New Richmond died Monday, April 4, 2011 at his home.  He was born the son of George and Rosetta (Ausman) Kruschke on September 24, 1925 in New Richmond.  In 1943, he graduated from New Richmond High School and then served his country in U.S. Navy during WWII.  On September 4, 1948, Richard married Ida Freeberg.  He served on the St. Croix County Fair Board for 20+ years and was president for 2 years of the State Holstein Board.  Richard also served on the New Richmond and Star Prairie School Boards along with serving as Chairman of the building committee when the United Methodist Church in New Richmond was built.  Other board’s Richard served on included, American Dairyman Board, State Vocational Board and the New Richmond Community Foundation.  He was a 4H Leader, FFA Honorary Chapter Farmer, a member of the WI Master Farmers and he won the Distinguished Holstein Breeder award.  Recently, the family farm was awarded as a Century Farm in August 2010.  Richard is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Ida; sister, Dorothy Kruschke, infant brother; brother and sister-in-law, Edward and Helen Kruschke; nephews, James Freeberg and Gary Freeberg.  He is survived by his children, David Kruschke, Charles (Mary) Kruschke and Susan Gillis; grandchildren, Carrie (Joshua) Strege, Peter Kruschke, Joseph Kruschke, Jacob Kruschke, Daniel Gillis, J.C. (DeAnna) Gillis; great-grandchildren, Lillie, Mitchell, Tanner and Dalton; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Paul (Dorothy) Freeberg; nephews, Alden (Shirley) Kruschke, Byron (Cheryl) Kruschke; nieces, Jane (Dean) Scholz, Linda (Jim) Halverson; and many more relatives and friends.  A memorial service was held Thursday, April 7, 2011 at 1:00 pm the New Richmond United Methodist Church in New Richmond.  Memorial visitation was held Wednesday, April 6, 2011 from 3:30-8:00 pm at Bakken-Young’s Beebe Mortuary in New Richmond and also Thursday from 12:00-1:00 pm at the church.  Interment was in the New Richmond Cemetery.  Arrangements are with Bakken-Young’s Beebe Mortuary of New Richmond.