Hans Kruse

Hans Kruse, living at 723 North Seventeenth street, was found dead in his house Thursday. When discovered the body was in a sitting posture in a rocking chair, in the parlor. The bed room next to the parlor showed evidences that he had been preparing to retire. Mr. Kruse was 73 years old, and was staying at his son’s house while the son, Hans J. Kruse, who runs a saloon at 623 North Sixteenth street, was absent in Europe on a visit. Another son, Fritz Kruse, lives in Blair. The body was taken in charge by Coroner Brailey, who notified the son at Blair. It was quite evident that Mr. Kruse had come to his death from some natural cause, possibly heart trouble, aggravated by the extreme heat of Wednesday night. When last seen he was sitting on the front porch at ten o’clock Wednesday night by some of neighbors. There was no stir out at the place in the forenoon, and at 12:30 o’clock a lighted lamp was seen sitting on the table near a window. James Corrigan suspecting that all was not right, burst open the back door and found Kruse dead in the chair. The police and coroner were called. The body was clothed in an undershirt and pants. Lying on the floor at his feet was the old man’s faithful dog, keeping watch over the lifeless form of its kind old master. When the body was taken from the room the dog crept under the bed and whined most pitifully. Mr. Kruse had lived in Omaha most of the time during the past sixteen years, and was well known by many citizens.

Republican 9 Jul 1903

He Felt that he Would Soon Die

Omaha News: Hans Kruse, better known to his many German acquaintances as “Papa” Kruse, passed peacefully away in a chair at the home of his son, at 623 North 17th street, some time between 10:30 o’clock Wednesday night and early Thursday morning. He was 80 years of age.

Wednesday evening Mr. Kruse spent some time in the saloon of his son, Hans Kruse, at 16th and Webster streets. During the evening he expressed regret that he felt he could not live until his son returned from a European trip. He left at 10:30 o’clock. Before leaving he bade all his friends good bye. He was found dead Thursday noon, sitting in a chair partially undressed.

About four weeks ago the son, with whom he has made his home, started for Germany, to visit Coburg, where his wife’s relatives reside.

The deceased resided here for about twenty years. He was formerly a resident of Blair, where he owned considerable realty interests. He leaves two sons, Hans, of this city, and Fred, of Blair, besides a daughter, Mrs. Emma Carter, of Lacombe, Can.

Wednesday he made final arrangements for going to Blair to attend the Fourth of July celebration.

Republican 6 Aug 1903

The remains of Hans Cruse, whose death occurred in Omaha several weeks ago, were buried Wednesday afternoon in the family lot in Blair Cemetery. Henry Frahm, of Ft. Calhoun, spoke at the grave of his old friend. Mr. and Mrs. Fred Cruse, of this county, and Hans Cruse and wife, of Omaha, were the only children present.

Republican 6 Aug 1903

A lot of Omaha people and among them Jake Hungate and Pete Hansen, came from Omaha to attend the burial of Hans Cruse. There was a large attendance of old friends in this county.

Note: He is buried in the Blair Cemetery, Plot: Block: 38 Lot: 5 Grave: 11 ; Find A Grave #10417250; Since the actual death date was not given, the news article date was used.

~~~ Obituary courtesy of the Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair Public Library at Blair, Nebraska.~~~