Wilburn "Willie" Melvin Kruse

Wilburn “Willie” Melvin Kruse, 91, who lived in Taylor, Texas passed away Sunday, November 12, 2017 at Baylor Scott & White Hospital in Round Rock, Texas.

Willie was born December 30, 1925 in Williamson County, Texas. He was the fourth child born to Erna Etzel Kruse and Gustav Wenzel Kruse.

Willie attended school in Coupland, Texas. During his Senior Year in High School, he was drafted into the service where he served in the U.S. Navy. It was several years later that he was awarded a graduation diploma from Coupland School.

Willie married Bernice Gladys Stalmach on November 24, 1951 in Taylor Brethren Church making their home in Taylor.

Willie worked for Taylor Manufacturing Company in Taylor. In 1954 Willie and Bernice moved to San Antonio where Willie worked as a carpenter for Frank T. Sefcik Construction. He then started his own business – Glass n Glazing. While living in San Antonio, he was an active member of Harlingdale Presbyterian Church serving on many committees.

In 1996 he and Bernice moved back to Taylor to retire. He had cattle and always had a garden. He was a member of Taylor Brethren Church serving on many committees.

Willie was preceded in death by his wife, parents, sister LaVerne Steger and brothers Delwood Kruse and Weldon Kruse.

Willie is survived by his children Gary (Ruby) Kruse, Bonnie Kruse and Russ Kruse, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by Klaus Tilmus, a former German exchange student who became an extended son. Also surviving are his brother Leland (Gladiola) Kruse and sister Loretta Simank.

Visitation will be held at Providence Funeral Home, Taylor, Texas on Friday, November 17, 2017 from 5:00-7:00 P.M. Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M., Saturday, November 18, 2017 at Taylor Brethren Church, Taylor, Texas with Pastor James Hejl officiating. He will be laid to rest beside his wife in Grandpa Hejl’s plot in Taylor city Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Kelly Kruse, Gregory Simank, Brandon Kruse, Steven Patschke, Steven Patschke,Jr., and Curtis Stauffer.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and Hospice staff for their care they gave Willie during his stay in the hospital.