Gerald ‘Jerry’ Cruse

Gerald “Jerry” Cruse, 71, of Dongola, was called to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, March 30, 2022, at home, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on April 17, 1950, in Anna, the son of Charles Oliver and Leota Smith Cruse. 

He married Janet Hase on Sept. 12, 1970. She survives.

Mr. Cruse retired in 2009  after working as an ironworker for over 35 years. During this time, he owned and operated a filling station in Dongola, as well as a grain and livestock farm with his family. 

After retirement, he worked for IDOT during the winter months for nine years. 

Mr. Cruse had a passion for fixing things and pulling tractors. He enjoyed being outside and camping with his family and friends. He also loved attending his children and grandchildren’s activities, wherever they may have been.

Mr. Cruse was a man of faith, serving as a deacon at the First Baptist Church in Dongola, along with teaching Sunday School there and at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, where he was a member. 

He, alongside his wife, worked with the Illinois Baptist Association for Disaster Relief. They volunteered many hours and traveled to several places to help those who were in need.

Besides his wife of 51 years, Mr. Cruse is survived by his son, Lane (Deanna) Cruse of Anna; a daughter, Leslie (Stanley) Treat of Dongola; five grandchildren, Ashton (Jake) Casey, Raegan Cruse and Riley Cruse, all of Anna, and Dalen Treat and Evan Treat, both of Dongola; two great-grandchildren, Aliyah and Paisley Casey of Anna; a brother, Gaylon (Goldie) Cruse of Dongola; a sister-in-law, Joyce (Marion) Hill of Dongola; a brother-in-law, Jerry (Sheila) Hase of Anna; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and by a brother, Larry Wayne Cruse. 

Funeral services were at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 2, at Crain Funeral Home in Dongola, with the Rev. Paul Sadler and the Rev. Victor Duckworth officiating. Interment followed in Friendship Cemetery. 

Memorials can be made to Residential Hospice.

To view the obituary or to leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.crainsonline.com.

Crain Funeral Home in Dongola was in charge of arrangements.