Marlin “Spike” Lewis Kruse, 85, passed away April 24, 2021, at Bonita Springs, Fla.

Services and burial with military were held on May 20, at Indian Town Gap National Cemetery in Annville, Pa.

Marlin was born on Sept. 12, 1936, to Albert and Gladys (Fritz) Kruse at Alpena and graduated from Lane High School in 1954 where he played basketball and ran in track and cross country. He was recruited to run track at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, where he held the mile run record for many years and was enlisted in their ROTC program. He graduated from USD in 1958 with an accounting degree and entered the US Navy in their Naval Supply Corps. During his career, he and his family traveled and lived in many places, including Italy, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Rhode Island, California and Hawaii. While in California, Marlin earned his master’s degree. Marlin retired from the US Navy as a Commander and went on to become President for Seacor, a defense contractor in New Jersey, from which he ultimately retired. After retiring, Marlin and his wife split their time between homes in Florida and New Jersey.

Marlin enjoyed running, golfing, walking, reading, creating stained glass art, traveling and playing the marble board game.

Marlin is survived by his wife, Gwendolyn of 59 years; two sons, Barry (Virva) Kruse of Downingtown, Pa., and Richard (Jamie) Kruse of Myerstown, Pa.; four grandchildren; sisters, Dorcas Sammon of Inkster, Mich., and Randee (Gary) Beigh of Woonsocket; brother, Paul (Julie) Kruse of New Ulm, Minn.; sister-in-law, Linda Kruse of Huron; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his siblings, June (Robert) Godfrey, Roxanne (Alfred) Brunsen, Keith Kruse and Shirley Jean Neitzel.  

Robert “Bob” Speck, 95, of St. Lawrence, passed away Thursday, July 1, 2021, at Prairie View Healthcare Center in Woonsocket.

Robert’s funeral services were held Tuesday, July 6, at Reck Funeral Home in Miller, with Tiffany Pape Hofer officiating. Burial followed at St. Placidus Cemetery in Duncan. Reck Funeral Home of Miller was entrusted with the arrangements.

Robert Willard Speck was born May 20, 1926, to August and Esther (Hall) Speck in Buffalo County. He attended school in Gann Valley and was drafted into the United States Army, where he served in the Korean War. After his return, he married Leona Mular on Aug. 23, 1955. To this union, four children were born. He worked as a mechanic all his life, also hauling hay commercially and farming.

Robert is survived by his wife, Leona; son, Robert A. Speck; daughters, Patricia (Robert) Moriarty and Susan Speck; two granddaughters; four great-grandchildren; sister, Lorraine Mayer; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death was his 10-week-old son, Gary; parents; sisters, Doris Thompson and Eleanor Thompson; and brothers, Marvin Speck and Donald Speck.

Donald Elmer Moe, 93, of Mitchell and formerly of Letcher, died Sunday, June 27, 2021, at Avera Brady Health and Rehab. 

Funeral services were on Thursday, July 1, at the Will Funeral Chapel. Burial and military rites were at the American Legion Cemetery. Visitation was on Wednesday, June 30, at the Will Funeral Chapel with a prayer service.

Don Moe, son of Elmer and Estella (Snider) Moe, was born March 7, 1928, in Farmer. He attended school at Letcher Public Schools. Following his schooling, Don helped on the family farm. He entered the U.S. Army on May 4, 1951, and served in the Korean War. Don was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army with the rank of corporal on Jan. 9, 1953. He returned to farming.

Don was united in marriage with Edith Friman on April 4, 1954, in Letcher. The couple farmed in the Letcher area for many years until Don retired at the age of 62.

He enjoyed visiting with friends, horse sales, playing cards and going on the wagon train. Don participated on the wagon train to Madison for 25 years.

Don was an active member of the Letcher American Legion, served as Post Commander for over 20 years, and served as a county commissioner for 24 years. He was a member of the Letcher Community Church.

Donald is survived by his children, Roger Moe of Letcher, Richard (Dawn Strand) Moe of Mitchell, and Virginia Moe of Mitchell; one granddaughter; one great-grandson; two sisters, Vera (Woodie) Lovejoy and Shirley Drewery, both of Oxford, Miss.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Edith in 2019; his parents; and one brother, Ronald.