Donald Paul Kruse
April 14, 1941-April 26, 2024
Pleasanton, California

Donald Paul Kruse of Pleasanton passed away peacefully on April 26, 2024 at the age of 83. Don was the beloved husband of Lorna for 56 years, father to Alissa and Darren Kruse, and grandfather to Ty and Travis Kruse.

Don was born in Sacramento. He had fond memories of growing up in Walnut Grove with his parents Edgar and Marcella along with his brother Carl and sister Barbara.

Don received his bachelors of Music Education from Sacramento State, this is also where he met Lorna, the love of his life, playing the trumpet in 1959. Don started his teaching career in Galt, then earned his Masters of Yoga Breathing for Wind Instrumentalists from Cal State University, San Francisco. Don and Lorna married June 10, 1967 and shortly after moved to Pleasanton.

Don touched the lives of many students as a Band Director with the Fremont Unified School District where he was teacher of the year in 1999. He continued to keep in touch with many students throughout the years and recently had drums donated in his honor to Amador Valley High School.

Music was a passion for Don outside of the classroom as well. Don played the trumpet in the San Jose Wind Symphony for over 30 years. Playing both locally and internationally including Switzerland, Australia, and even singing Handel's Messiah in the choir at the Royal Albert Hall, London. Don and Lorna also played for the 70th anniversary of Normandy in France.

Don enjoyed the outdoors hiking and biking the Tri-Valley and visited numerous locations including Canada, Italy, Africa and Thailand. Annual events were enjoyed at the cabin in the Sierra Foothills with family and friends.

Don will always be remembered for his love of family, enjoying a glass of fine red wine, and his enthusiastic singing of "Ein Prosit”.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made payable to the Kennedy Titan Booster Club. They can given to the Kruse family for a group presentation to John F Kennedy High School for the purchase of instruments and music.

Services will be held on June 15th at 1:00 pm at Lynnewood United Methodist Church in Pleasanton.

Tags: arts/media, teacher/educator