Glenn D. Kruse

Glenn D. Kruse, 81, of Melrose, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2025 after a full life and valiant battle with prostate cancer.

Glenn was born on September 30, 1943 to the late Alfred and Dorothy Kruse in Queens, New York. After graduating from Bayside High School in 1960, Glenn’s life included serving his country in the Vietnam War, plying his trade as an electrician, starting a Christian bookstore named “Noah’s Ark,” ministering at Calvary Tabernacle (New York) and Parkway Christian Center (Revere), working with those recovering from addiction, and yelling loudly at every one of his sons’ basketball games.

The groundnote of Glenn’s life was his experience of Christ’s grace though the gospel. Born again in Vietnam and baptized in the South China Sea, he spent the next 60 years of his life as a vital member of every church he was part of, serving in whatever capacity was needed and endlessly opening his heart and home to others.

In June of 1969, Glenn met the love of his life, Margaret Oliver, in Brooklyn. They were married two months later in Puerto Rico. Their 55 years of marriage included having two sons (Matthew and James), two daughters-in-law (Grace and Sarah), and eight grandchildren (Matthew, Brandon, Seth, Julia, Micah, Levi, Callie, and Emma). He is survived by and will be missed by all of them. No one was a more devoted husband, father, or papa.

Glenn never met a tree he didn’t hug, umpire he didn’t criticize, speed limit he didn’t break, soda he didn’t drink, or stranger he didn’t talk to. An avid hobbyist, he was into antique cars, model trains, license plate art, and salvaging used furniture. An unhittable softball pitcher, he led teams to championships in 1971, 1973, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, and 1995 (as he would tell you often).

Relatives and friends are invited to gather in honor of Glenn’s life during Visiting Hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose, on Wednesday, March 12 from 4-8pm, and again on Thursday, March 13, for his Funeral Service celebrated at 10am.  Interment with Military Honors by the United States Army in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose.

Gifts in memory of Glenn may be made to the Arbor Day Foundation , 100 Arbor Ave., Nebraska City, NE. 68410, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital , 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN. 38105, or to the Seven Mile Road Church , and select Melrose Student Ministry.