David R. Kruse , 98, of Sellersville, PA; formerly of Yatsushiro, Kumamoto Ken, Japan went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at The Community at Rockhill.

David was the loving husband of the late Edna (Sorrell) Kruse for 68 years. He was born in Philadelphia, PA to the late W. Roberts Kruse and the late Esther (Leek) Kruse.

David graduated from West Philadelphia High School in Philadelphia, PA, class of 1944.  He was a lifelong member of Spruce Street Baptist Church, now in Newtown Square, PA, where he met and married Edna Sorrell in 1952.

From 1945-1946, David served as a court reporter for the United States Army during the Occupation of Japan.  He was a dedicated member of the G. I. Gospel Hour while in the army, gathering with other G.I.'s for Bible study, and teaching classes on the Bible through a translator.  When back in the U.S., he continued this affiliation while at Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL, meeting regularly with other returning G.I.'s., and going out together on evangelistic errands.  He graduated from Wheaton in 1950, and went on to obtain his master's degree in Old Testament History, also from Wheaton, in 1951.

After marriage, he and Edna headed back to Japan as missionaries affiliated with the Pilgrim Fellowship in  Philadelphia, PA.  On retirement back to the U. S. after 40 years in Japan, he took on the task of editing "The Pilgrim" newsletter for several years, as well as serving on the Pilgrim board, and preaching and teaching as invited.

Once settled at The Community of Rockhill in 1998, he continued to preach regularly there and elsewhere, until a stroke prevented further public speaking.  He and Edna attended First Baptist Perkasie, now Renew Bible Church, when not engaged elsewhere.

David enjoyed reading biographies and Christian literature, as well as keeping up with world missions and current events.  He also enjoyed Bible study and taking walks.

David was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was a calm, kind, generous, and God-centered man.

David is survived by his two daughters, Deborah K. Guebert & husband, Rand of Delaware, OH, Mary Kruse Zambrana & husband, Omar of Wynnewood, PA; his son-in-law, Robert N. Stradling & wife, Wendy of Wilmington, DE; his granddaughter, Rachel Lillycrop & husband, Jonathan of Durham, England, UK; his grandson, Xavier O. Zambrana of New York, NY; and his sister-in-law, Sally Kruse of La Grange, IL.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Sharon R. Stradling and his brother, Donald A. Kruse.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at 2:00 pm at The Community at Rockhill, 3250 State Road, Sellersville, PA 18960.

A private inurnment will take place at Middletown Presbyterian Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Renew Bible Church of Perkasie, 1600 N. 5th Street, Perkasie, PA 18944 https://renewbiblechurch.org/ or Spruce Street Baptist Church, 3701 Gradyville Rd, Newtown Square, PA 19073 https://sprucestreetbaptist.com/.

Arrangements by: Anders-Detweiler Funeral Home & Crematory, 130 East Broad Street, Souderton, PA 18964. To send online condolences to the family, visit www.andersfh.com.