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Troy Kruse Obituary
Our precious Troy Kruse (Eichthaler) passed away in Denver, Colorado, on February 6th, 2023, at the age of 46. Troy was born on October 8th,1976, in Durango, Colorado. After living in a rustic, small town for 20 years, he craved change and adventure, so he was determined to get a job allowing him to travel. He started with a job with a car rental business detailing vehicles and then worked his way into a position with Mesa Airlines. This job required wearing many hats, from a ramp agent to a plane de-icer. He eventually landed his dream job as a flight attendant with Frontier. Throughout his career he also worked for United, American, and Skywest airlines. This was the beginning of so many strong and long-lasting friendships across the world.
He always knew his passion was to fly. Traveling was not only something he did but was a part of him. It was not uncommon for Troy to get an itch to pack a bag and go somewhere spontaneous. Whether it was by car or plane, there was nothing more exciting than traveling to make new experiences and memories that would last forever.
Troy always lived for nothing more than helping others. He was influential in developing the Kruse Foundation for group homes. His wittiness and clever humor always left you with a smile and laughing hysterically.
In 2014, while working in Denver, Troy met Mark. Even with their busy schedules, they knew they were meant to be together. After dating for three years, Mark and Troy wed in 2017 on the beaches of Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. Both Mark and Troy had decided they wanted to be parents together and quickly started looking into fostering and adoption options. After searching for the perfect match, Lana and Samuel came into their lives. They welcomed Lana and Samuel into their home just 3 short weeks after their honeymoon and formally adopted them in April of 2018.
He lived a fulfilling life as a husband, father, brother, uncle, friend, and anyone else in need of support. He was always the life of the party, and there was never a moment in his life where he did not put someone else's needs before his.
Troy was preceded in death by his Grandparents, Ernie and Alberta Dobbins, Anthony and Margaret Eichthaler, and nephew Shane Eichthaler.
Troy is survived by his husband, Mark Kruse, daughter Lana Kruse, and son Samuel Kruse. He is also survived by his mother, Gayle Eichthaler, father Richard Eichthaler (Cynthia), sister Debbra Herrera (Roger), and brothers Steve Eichthaler (Karen) and Scott Eichthaler (Darcie); numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and endless amounts of extended family and friends.
His legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone he interacted with and those he reached but never met. Celebrate Troy's extraordinary life on Wednesday, February 15th, 2023, at Wings over the Rockies Exploration of Flight (13005 Wings Way, Centennial, CO) from 6-9 pm. There will also be a further celebration in Durango, Colorado, at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Troy Kruse
Kyle
March 14, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
What a wonderful, inspirational life he lead.
I'm sorry for your loss.
Margaret and Danny Pacheco
March 2, 2023
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one . What a beautiful tribute to read about him.
Bonnie Sanders
February 14, 2023
Troy was my first good friend when I moved to Durango. I don't think he ever met a stranger, honestly. I know he has made countless friends across the world that love and miss him terribly. We made so many memories together. We were inseparable as kids. We had so many good times and occasionally got ourselves into a heap of trouble. Through the years, we have never lost touch with each other, though each of our lives have taken many journeys so many states away from one another. You have been simply irreplaceable as my friend, my brother. My heart hurts for you, for your family and friends. I will keep missing you for the rest of my days. My best friend of thirty-four years...your infectious laugh, generous heart and caretakers soul. All my love, rest peacefully Troy.
Monika Gehlen
February 14, 2023
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Laurel Gladden
February 14, 2023
"Death is a challenge. It tells us not to waste time. It tells us to tell each other right now that we love each other."
~ Leo Buscaglia
RIP Troy, my childhood would not have been the same without you. You were a beautifully unique and gentle soul, and our childhood antics on the Mesa will live forever in my heart!
You were my orchestra bestie, the guy who ditched the 8th grade end of year party with me, we listened to Nirvana and Jane´s Addiction, and hung out in "Stoner Park" after school. You made me laugh when we were the outcasts and always made me feel included.
So much love my friend. I am grateful You were belessed and surrounded by so much love! Mark, my heart goes out to you and your children Sending you all my deepest condolences
Laurel Gladden
February 13, 2023
"Death is a challenge. It tells us not to waste time. It tells us to tell each other right now that we love each other."
~ Leo Buscaglia
RIP Troy, my childhood would not have been the same without you. You were a beautifully unique and gentle soul, and our childhood antics on the Mesa will live forever in my heart!
You were my orchestra bestie, the guy who ditched the 8th grade end of year party with me, we listened to Nirvana and Jane´s Addiction, and hung out in "Stoner Park" after school. You made me laugh when we were the outcasts and always made me feel included.
So much love my friend. I am grateful Your life was filled with so many blessings
Love to all of your family. Mark you must be a very special person indeed and I am so glad to read he Fahd a beautiful love story My condolences to you and your children!
So much love to you Troy
Cori Gwartney
February 13, 2023
I met Mark & Troy at group and instantly fell in love with them. Troy's love of life and joy for everything will be greatly missed. Mark, I am so very sorry for your loss, I wish I had the words to ease your pain. Troy, I hope you can rest easy now.
Debbie Hicks
February 13, 2023
I am so very sorry for your loss. Troy was such an amazing soul. I hold many great memories in my heart. I was fortunate to share many laughs with Troy. RIP Troy
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