Edward P. Kruse, age 96, of Apple Valley, Minnesota, formerly of Buffalo Lake, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2026, at Presbyterian Homes & Services, Orchard Path in Apple Valley.

Ed was born on August 21, 1929, on the family farm south of Buffalo Lake. He attended a rural country school for his first five years of education and often enjoyed recalling that he was the only student in grades three, four, and five, proudly finishing "first" in his class each year. Ed was baptized, confirmed, and later married at Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo Lake. He graduated from Buffalo Lake High School with the Class of 1946. Later in life, while serving in the U.S. Navy, he was selected to participate in a special Associate Degree program and graduated from Pensacola Junior College in 1974. In recognition of his academic achievement, he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, the nation's oldest and most prestigious academic honor society.

In 1950, Ed entered the United States Navy and began a distinguished 30-year military career. His service took him around the world aboard the aircraft carriers USS Essex (CV-9) in the Sea of Japan during the Korean War, USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) in the Mediterranean during the Suez Crisis, and USS Ticonderoga (CVA-14) in the southwest Pacific. He also served with a Patrol Squadron based on Adak in Alaska's Aleutian Islands and at several Naval Air Stations throughout the United States.

Among his proudest accomplishments were his years as an Instructor and Jumpmaster at the Navy's Aviation Survival Equipment School and as a member of the Chuting Stars, the U.S. Navy Parachute Team. Performing at air shows across the nation alongside the famed Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Team, Ed became a pioneer in military parachuting. That pioneering spirit even led Ed to experiment with developing more steerable parachutes, by removing certain panels from the canopy, and allowing the airflow to be redirected. During his career he completed 659 free-fall jumps from altitudes up to 15,000 feet and was the first person in the Navy to accomplish several delayed-opening parachute feats, including the firing of flare pistols during freefall, simulating "shooting stars" for the Chuting Stars' air shows. While with the Chuting Stars, Ed jumped from a Navy R4D (the Navy's version of the DC-3/C-47) that they called the "Blue Goose." In all he jumped from 14 different types of aircraft, including helicopters and a Navy F3D jet, and holds the honor of being the last person in history to make a parachute jump from a U.S. Navy blimp. Ed was also the first person in U.S. Navy history to hold an "Instructor" license from the Parachute Club of America (now the United States Parachute Association). He earned the distinction of "Master Navy Parachutist" and retired from active duty in 1980 with the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer.

Ed's travels carried him to all 50 states and 17 foreign countries. Following his retirement from the Navy, Ed went into business for himself and established the Kruse Wallcovering Service that he operated successfully for 22 years. He and his family enjoyed spending 25 summers at their lake home near Cumberland, Wisconsin. Ed also took great pride in his Danish heritage and made several memorable trips to Denmark to visit relatives and broaden family connections.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Laura Kruse of Buffalo Lake, and by his beloved wife of 68 years, Dorothy (Schmalz) Kruse.

He is survived by his sons, Eric (Pam) Kruse and Karl (Heather) Kruse; grandchildren, Justin, Kirsten, and Jaime; and great-grandchildren, Paige and Grant Nalan, and Linden and Dorothy Kruse.

A family memorial and graveside service, including military honors, will be held on August 21, 2026 at 10:30 AM, at Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery, 200 5th St. NE in Buffalo Lake, Minnesota.

Charitable donations in Ed's name to Pheasants Forever (Renville County, MN) can be made: Online at https://pheasantsforever.org/membership-giving/donate/ or by check to Pheasants Forever, Inc., 1783 Buerkle Circle, St. Paul, MN 55110 (write Renville County Chapter in the memo line) Or call (651) 773-2000 and ask to designate your donation to Renville County, MN.

Ed will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to family, distinguished military service, adventurous spirit, strong work ethic, and deep pride in his heritage. His life was marked by courage, accomplishment, and a genuine appreciation for the people and experiences that enriched his remarkable 96 years. May God bless his memories.