Kenneth "Ken" "The Duz" Kruse

Kenneth A. “Ken” “The Duz ” Kruse, 58, Rockford, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, July 26, 2013, at SwedishAmerican Hospital. He was born August 26, 1954, in Volga, South Dakota, the son of H. Lavone and Mavis (Chester) Kruse. Ken was a mechanic and most recently a maintenance worker for the Greater Chicago Rockford International Airport. Drag racing was his lifelong passion. He shared that passion with his brother, Doug, and his niece, Jamie. Ken raced at the Byron Dragway, enjoyed snowmobiling and was a member of the New Milford Sno Stars. Ken loved his family and always supported them with his kindness. Survived by his sister, Mary (Ron) Kerlin of Morton, his brothers, Tom (Judy) Kruse of Rockford, Don Kruse of Great Falls, Montana, Jim (Ellen) Kruse of Belvidere, and Doug (Robin) Kruse of Rockford; his brother-in-law, Ed Jurvelin of Maple, Wisconsin; many nieces and nephews; and his many friends in drag racing, especially those at the Byron Dragway . Predeceased by his parents and his sister, Margaret Jurvelin. Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm Thursday, August 1, 2013, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd with Randy Heinzeroth officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm, Wednesday, July 31, 2013, at the funeral home and from 1:00 pm until time of service on Thursday. Memorials may be made to the charity of donor’s choice. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.