Nelson Kreuze

Nelson L.  Kreuze, Age 91, Of Battle Creek, Died Saturday, August 9, 2014, at the Calhoun County Medical Care Facility. Nelson was born on September 30, 1922, in Grand Rapids, MI,  the son of Lambertus and Dena (TenCate) Kreuze. He was a 1939 graduate of Holland High School.  He was a veteran serving in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946 serving on the USS Gen. S.D. Sturgis (troop transport) in the Pacific Theater during WWII.  He was a staff commander during the Korean War and retired as Lt. Commander. He attended Western Michigan University earning a Bachelor’s Degree in 1947 and then a Master’s Degree from the University of Michigan in 1950. He married  the former Viola Luckhardt in 1949, she preceded him in 1995. He then married the former Helen Johnson in 1997, she preceded him in 2003. He was employed as a teacher at North Holland School from 1942 to 1943 and then at Battle Creek Public Schools from 1947 to 1965. Nelson was a business manager at the Calhoun Intermediate School District from 1965 to 1977 and then a computer programmer/ analyst with 20th Century Guardian Life Insurance Company from 1979 to 1980 and Clark Equipment Company from 1980 to 1987. He was a member of the Michigan Education Association, the National Education Association in a variety of positions, local president, regional president, board member and NEA treasurer from 1968 to 1974. He was a member of the Westlake Presbyterian Church Elder and Treasurer,  a commissioner of the Lake Michigan Presbyterian UNP General Assembly and a vocal and bell choir member. Surviving are children, Donna Kreuze of Nashville TN, Kenneth Kreuze of Dewitt, MI and Nancy Egner of Savoy, IL; grandchildren, Michael Egner, Lisa Rein and Eric Egner;  a brother, Floyd Kreuze of Minneapolis, MN. In accordance with his wishes cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, August 14, 2014, at the Westlake Presbyterian Church with The Rev. Kate Johnston officiating. Inurnment will be at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Westlake Presbyterian Church, North Pointe Woods or the Calhoun County Medical Care Facility. Arrangements by the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home.  www.henryfuneralhome.org

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