Ronald F. Cruise

Ronald "Ron" F. Cruise, 80, of St. Edward passed away on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at his home surrounded by his family.

Memorial Services will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, January 4, 2023, at the United Methodist Church, St. Edward, NE with Rev. Mick Goc officiating. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery, St. Edward, NE. Visitation will be 5 – 8 p.m. Tuesday at the church.

The family requests those who wish to express sympathy consider making a donation to the Ron Cruise Memorial Scholarship through the Nebraska Archaeological Society. The family will collect donations to fund the scholarship which will be awarded to a recipient at the annual Nebraska Artifact Show.

Ronald "Ron" Fay Cruise was born on March 24, 1942, on a farm Southwest of St. Edward, NE to Fay Eldon and Eleanor Mary (Draeger) Cruise. Ron attended the Bogus School House from kindergarten through 8 ^th grade and later attended St. Edward High School where he graduated with the class of 1961.

On September 1, 1963, Ron married the love of his life Janet Vonnell Matzen at the First Presbyterian Church in St. Edward, NE. To this union he was blessed with three children, Kris, Mark, and Keith. Ron and Jan stayed in the area where Ron farmed, raised black angus cattle, and was a rural mail carrier.

Ron was a well-known outdoorsman. He enjoyed fishing, trapping, and was a walking encyclopedia of all things related to nature including sharing his knowledge through conversation, mentoring and teaching others. He was an avid reader with an endless knowledge of Native American culture, history, and traditions. Ron was also an artifact collector and rockhound enthusiast. He was a proud Husker fan. His greatest passion was sharing his life-long knowledge and interests with others, especially his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Ron was very active in his community and organizations in Nebraska. He was a member of the Nebraska Fur Harvesters Association, North American Fur Auction, National Trapper's Association, The Nebraska Archaeological Society, and Boone County Historical Society, serving as a board member.

Ron is survived by his wife of 59 years Jan Cruise of St. Edward, NE; children: Kris (Tim) Simmons of Otoe, NE; Mark (Sherri) Cruise of St. Edward, NE; Keith Cruise of New York, NY; grandchildren: Caden and Lacie Cruise of St. Edward, NE; Keith (Sarah) Simmons of Council Bluffs, IA; Josh (Cari) Simmons of Brunswick, GA; five great-grandchildren: Henry, Riley, and Mary Simmons of Council Bluffs, IA; Eli and Abram of Brunswick, GA; three brothers: Robert (Charlotte) Cruise of Columbus, NE; Denny (Shelley) Cruise of St. Edward, NE; Larry (Anita) Cruise of St. Edward, NE; special uncle: Lee (Gayle) Draeger of St. Edward, NE; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; grandparents: Guy and Edith Cruise; Otto and Lena Draeger; and Gertrude Cruise.