Frank Albert Kruse, Jr

Frank Albert Kruse, Jr., 84, of Lanier Village Estates, Gainesville, GA passed away on Thursday, April 4, 2013 at Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Gainesville.

Born on June 7, 1928 in New Orleans, LA, Frank attended New Orleans Academy. He received a BS degree from Loyola University of the South and a DDS degree from Loyola Dental School. Upon graduation from dental school he went into private dental practice with his uncle.
Shortly thereafter Frank applied for a commission in the US Navy, in lieu of being drafted. He was sent to Great Lakes, IL as a Lieutenant Junior Grade for training. After several months he was transferred to the Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton, CA, where he assumed duties as a dental surgeon on account of his extensive training at Loyola. He was then transferred to Korea, where for two years he served as a dental surgeon attached to the Second Marine Division. Upon his discharge in 1953, Frank received the honor of being awarded the Medal of Commendation for exceptional service while with the Marines in Korea.
Frank then resumed private practice in New Orleans, where he practiced for nearly fifty years. During that time he was active in the New Orleans Dental Association, where he served as Treasurer and later, President. He was also a member of the Louisiana Dental Association, the American Dental Association, the Exchange Club of New Orleans, Kosmos Lodge #171, Free and Accepted Masons, and Dorians Carnival Organization. On one occasion in the 1990s Frank reigned as King of the Dorians Mardi Gras Ball. Frank also served on several boards while a member of the Munholland United Methodist Church.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Eunice Kruse, and his older sister, Carol Kruse Donelon. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sheila; two sons, Dr. Frank A. "Chip" Kruse III (Tracy) and Stephen A. Kruse (Christi); daughter, Julie Goerke (Jeffrey); three grandchildren, Cameron Kruse, Mackenzie Kruse and Jeffrey Goerke; and niece, Trudy Pattison.

Sheila and Frank lived in New Orleans for 25 years before moving a short distance to Mandeville, LA and then to Madisonville, LA. They moved to Lanier Village Estates (LVE) on June 26, 2010.

Frank's hobbies were gardening, golf, fishing, and cooking. He became interested in Bonsai after moving to LVE and acquired quite a collection, which he cared for lovingly. He was quite creative in making things using wine corks, and was sometimes called "The Cork Man." Frank also became interested in working with stained glass. He was very competitive, whether he was playing hearts, or Chinese Checkers with his granddaughters.

For several years Frank bravely endured pulmonary fibrosis, but he is now resting comfortably in his heavenly home. Memorial Services for Frank will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2013 at 2:00 pm in the Chapel at LVE. Dr. Terry Walton of Gainesville First United Methodist Church will officiate with the Rev. Richard Evans, LVE Chaplain. The family will have a reception after the Memorial Service in the LVE Auditorium.
In lieu of flowers the family has asked that memorial contributions be made to Hospice of Northeast Georgia Medical Center; 2150 Limestone Pkwy.; Gainesville, GA 30501.

Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel 989 Riverside Drive Gainesville, GA 30501. 770-297-6200. Online condolences at www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com