Funeral services for Javan K. Kruse were held Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Royal. Pastor Mark Wilms officiated.

Casket bearers were Casey Tolzin, Brian Fritz, Aaron Mugge, Joe McIntire, Kyle Thomsen, Jake Schoelerman and Jordan Jalas. Honorary bearers were the AGR Class of 2007 and the AGR Family. Interment was at Willow Creek Cemetery in rural Royal. Warner Funeral Home in Spencer assisted with the arrangements.

Javan Keith Kruse was born June 2, 1985 in Spencer to Keith and Joyce Harmon Kruse. He left his earthly home to live with Jesus on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022, at the age of 37. He was baptized and confirmed at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Royal.

Javan grew up on the family farm near Everly and graduated from Clay Central/Everly in 2003. As an accomplished athlete he earned all-conference awards in football, basketball, track and baseball. Javan was a member of the 2001 Class A state runner-up football team playing running back. He sang in the choir and had lead roles in three musicals, and was also a member of the National Honor Society, FFA and 4-H. He was an excellent showman the nine years he showed pigs at the Clay County Fair, earning several showmanship trophies.

Javan attended Iowa State University where he pledged to the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity which led to forming lifelong friendships. He graduated with a degree in Agriculture Studies in 2007 and returned to the family crop and livestock farm where he worked alongside his dad for the past 15 years.

He met the love of his life, Danielle Gaudian, of Primghar, in 2000 while traveling with Clay and O'Brien County 4-H members to the state conference in Ames. Things got serious years later after Danielle came back home one weekend and rode in the tractor with him. They were married on June 2, 2012 at the United Church of Primghar. To this union three beautiful children were born; Ali, Nate and Ryan.

Javan loved being their dad, playing games, watching movies while snuggling up on the couch, and bringing them along farming. He enjoyed sharing his love for Iowa State with them. When asked what their favorite things were to do with Dad, Ali answered, "Going boating and attending ISU games," Nate "loved playing catch with him" and Ryan answered, "Playing catch!" He and Danielle took time to vacation with the kids in Colorado, Florida, the Iowa State Fair and boating on Lake Okoboji.

Javan currently served on the council and Endowment Committee at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. He was a past board member at the Primghar Golf and Country Club. He also shared his acquired love for playing golf with his family.

Javan is survived by his wife of 10 years, Danielle, and their children; Ali, Nate and Ryan; his parents, Keith and Joyce Kruse; sister, Alecia and Casey Tolzin, Luke and Anna; Grandma Betty Kruse; in-laws, Jan and Darwin Gaudian; sister-in-law, Darcy and Brian Fritz, Madison, Adalynn and Brynlee; Danielle's grandparents, Marge and Leon Hunt, and Dalorus Gaudian; and many other family and friends.

Preceding him in death were his grandparents, Darl and Arlene Harmon, and Roger Kruse; aunt, Joyce Sabel; Danielle's grandpa, Wilfred Gaudian; and fellow AGR, Andy Albright.