ELKHART — Lawrence G. "Larry" Kruse, 69, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully at his home following a brief illness Sunday, Oct. 29, 2017.

He was born Aug. 6, 1948, in South Bend, to the late Sylvester and Lillian (Langner) Kruszynski and later married Mary Ann V. Osuch on Nov. 11, 1978, in Elkhart. She survives at home.

Also surviving are his sister, Lorraine (Will) Manley of Livermore, California and nieces and nephews David (Dawn) and Stephen (June) Manley, both of Livermore, Carole Becerril and Johnathon Angels, both of Chicago, Michele Melanson of Brookville, Oregon and Eddie (Nancy) Osuch of Los Angeles, California.

Visitation for Larry will be  from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2, at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, where a parish Rosary will be prayed at 7:30 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 3, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 1405 N. Main St., Elkhart, with visitation beginning there at 10 a.m.

The Rev. Jason Freiburger will officiate and burial will follow in Highland Cemetery in South Bend with military honors by the U.S. Army Funeral Honor Guard.

Larry spent most of his life doing social work and caring for others, but his passion was his volunteer work, especially through his church.

Bedsides his regular deliveries to the pantry of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and his volunteer work with hospice, he was also an extraordinary minister of the Eucharist and took the Holy Eucharist to hospitalized parishioners from six parishes, as well as serving as sacristan.

He was also a member St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus and Sons of St. Joseph.

He was an U.S. Army veteran and served in Thailand during the Vietnam War as an aide to Gen. John W. Vessey Jr.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly request memorial donations to the church.

To send a condolence to Larry's family, visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com.