David Lawrence Kruse

David Lawrence Kruse age 60 of Madison and formerly of Beloit died Friday January 14, 2022 in his home after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born January 23, 1961 to Charles and Anna Marie (Dee) Kruse in Kansas City, MO. David graduated from Hamilton High School, Sussex, WI, class of 1979. He attended Beloit College, earning his bachelor's degree in Economics and Management in 1983.

He was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity and loved his years on the swim team at Beloit College. David married his college sweetheart, Sarah C. Bettinger, on April 19, 1986. David worked for more than 30 years for BioLab, Inc., and enjoyed the opportunity to travel and meet customers, industry leaders, and colleagues who became lifelong friends. David and Sarah lived in Nashville, Atlanta, Providence, and Tampa before settling in Beloit to raise their two daughters. David was an active member of First Presbyterian Church, a member of the Board of the Beloit Snappers, and served on the Beloit College Alumni Board and The 1889 Council.

In 1984, David began playing rugby while living in Nashville. The game brought him great joy and many friends around the country. He was especially proud of his affiliation with the Wisconsin Rugby Club and he was so happy to have survived long enough to attend the grand opening of the new clubhouse and sports complex in Cottage Grove, WI in 2021.

While David had much to be proud of in his life, being a father to Rachel and Katie, and welcoming son-in-law Jon to the family in October 2021, brought him the greatest joy.

He is survived by his wife, Sarah Kruse of Madison; his daughters, Rachel Kruse, Milwaukee; Katie Kruse (Jon Kemman), Madison; mother, Ann Kruse, sisters, Karen Kruse, and Laurie Gulbronson (Pete), brother-in-law Mark Bettinger (Julie Rodgers), sisters-in-law Ann Bettinger DiRobbio (Michael), and Ruth Bettinger, nieces, Erica (Philip) Osian, Riley Gulbronson, nephew Luke Gulbronson, great-nephews Madox and Ezra and an abundance of friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Charles J. Kruse and his brother-in-law Rene Letourneau.

The family would like to thank his medical team at UW Carbone Cancer Center and Agrace Hospice.

David's Funeral Service will be 12 Noon on Saturday January 22, 2022 in the BRIAN MARK FUNERAL HOME, 1000 Inman Parkway, Beloit. Rather than a visitation, the family hopes you will join them at a reception at The Ironworks Hotel following the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial gifts to Beloit College Athletics (beloit.edu) or to Madison United Rugby (rugbymadison.org). Please share a memory or a condolence with the Kruse family on our website.

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