Edward Cruise

Funeral Mass for Edward Cruise of Wesley was celebrated on Monday, Dec. 18, 2023, at 10:30 A.M. at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wesley. Burial was in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery with military rites provided by the American Legion Andrews Post #428 of Wesley. 

Edward Vincent Cruise was born Jan. 15, 1937, in Wesley, Iowa, the son of John and Anna (Besch) Cruise. He grew up on a farm near Wesley and attended Wesley Public Schools, graduating in 1955.

After his schooling Ed began farming with his father as well as working for other area farmers.  He enlisted in the United States Army in 1959 and served in Germany. Upon his honorable discharge in 1962, Ed returned to the Wesley area.

On April 27, 1963, Ed was united in marriage to Selma Wichtendahl at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wesley. After their marriage they lived on a farm south of Wesley where they began raising their family of eight. They later moved and had been living at their current farm since 1976.

Ed loved being a farmer, being on the farm, working the land, and raising  livestock. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his children and grandchildren. Ed also enjoyed gardening, fishing, woodworking and singing in the church choir. He was very proud of being from Wesley. He served on the Wesley Elevator board for 17 years and was a member of the American Legion Andrews Post #428 of Wesley.

Ed died Thursday, December 14, 2023, at the Hancock County Health System in Britt, Iowa, at the age of 86.

He is survived by his children,  John (Brenda) Cruise of Wesley; Denise (Jerry) Palmer of Aberdeen, North Carolina; James Cruise of Forest City; Ronald (Terri) Cruise of Waverly; Rachael (Jim) Cruise of Mason City; Sue Ann (Russell) McKernan of Granger; and Steven (Andrea) Cruise of Britt; 16 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; sister, Kathy (Mike) Barcus of Valley Springs, CA; brother, Bill (Mary) Cruise of Wesley and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Selma on Oct. 23, 2023; son, Dennis; a brother, Mike Cruise and a sister, Mary Staudt. 

Arrangements were handled by Oakcrest Funeral Services of Wesley. Condolences may be left at www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com.