Lemley Chapel
Serving Sedro-Woolley &
All of Skagit County Since 1935
1008 Third Street
Sedro-Woolley, WA
360-855-1288
www.LemleyChapel.com
Charles Cruse Memorial
Charles Cruse Memorial

Charles Cruse

Charles Cruse

Monday, February 10th, 2020

Charles Joseph ‘Chuck’ Cruse, 84, a longtime Sedro-Woolley resident, passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family on February 5, 2020.

Chuck was born in Sedro-Woolley on December 5, 1935, the son of Alfred & Maxine Cruse, Sr.  He was raised and attended school in Sedro-Woolley, with the class of 1954.

In 1955 he enlisted into the U.S. Army, serving in Germany during the Korean Conflict with the Army Security Agency, a predecessor to the NSA.   Following his discharge he returned to Sedro-Woolley where on August 9, 1957 he was united in marriage to Patricia Hoffman. Together they made their home and raised their family there.

Prior to enlisting in the Army Chuck began working at Northern State Hospital in 1954 where for 28 years he served as Supervisor of the Motorpool Dept. and then the maintenance department.  He was literally the “last man standing” on the grounds when it finally closed in the mid 80’s.

He then began a long career as a log truck driver, working for Skagit Loggers, Z Bros. and Nielson’s until becoming an independent owner/driver.  And over those years he found time to build Patty three new homes.

In 2003 he and Patty moved to Helena, MT where they resided until 2013 when they returned to the Skagit Valley.

Chuck was an avid fisherman, hunter, crabber woodworker and the proverbial tinkerer. He was always on the move.

Chuck is survived by his wife of 62 years, Patty of Sedro-Woolley; his son Scott Cruse and his wife Jo of Helena, MT; eight grandchildren, Rachael Schaut (Shawn), Riley Burke (Karin), Raina Burke, Ashley, Caleb, Mackenzie, Madison and Ele Cruse and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews and extend family.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Michele Cruse and his brother, Alfred B. Cruse, Jr.

A Life Celebration service will be held on Sunday, February 16, 2020 at 12:00 PM at Lemley Chapel with Pastor George Henson officiating.  Memorials in honor of Chuck may be made to a charity of your choice.  Cremation and arrangements are under direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.  Share memories of Chuck and sign the online guest register.

Guestbook

  • Michelle, Chad, Kortni and Sami

    Our family is so sad to hear about Chuck’s passing. From the day we became neighbors you both treated our family as your own. Not only will we miss Chuck, but we miss the chats on the back porch. He spoiled our girls from day 1. Sending our love to you all.

  • Sharon Ellis

    Patti and Scott,

    I just learned of Chuck’s passing, I am so sorry, he was a great man and a friend. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him, for sure. Yes the good Lord must have had a great need for him to repair something for sure. He was so handy don’t think their is anything that man couldn’t fit. He will be greatly missed.

  • Chip Johnson

    Patti and Scott,

    So sorry to hear about Chuck’s passing. Many of my childhood thoughts still include the times our families spent together. Dad never stopped reminiscing about the days with Chuck…he was a talented man in many ways.

    “Gone from our sight, but never from our thoughts…or our hearts.”

    Sincerest condolences, Chip Johnson

  • Gary and Annette Johnson

    So sorry to hear this sad news about our great friend Chuck Cruse. Chuck IS a great man and will be missed by so many people that knew him. I can only imagine that something needed repaired, rebuilt, or just plain made to work better in Heaven, and God called on the one man that would get the job done. I grew up around Chuck and his family in Sedro-Woolley and later moved to North Carolina. Chuck and Patti came to visit us, and I am so thankful that my family got to meet him and spend time with him. He was kind and gentle and always had time for the children. We send our love to Patti, Scott and family.

  • Jamie & Stuart Harr

    Oh my goodness Patty I am so incredibly sorry to hear of the passing of your precious Chuck! What a sweet man he was and I know he’ll be dearly missed. Please know you’re in my prayers and my heart goes out to you. We love you so much.

  • Mandy Nelson (Burnett)

    My condolences to Patty, Scott and your families as well as your extended family. So sorry for your loss. I love the picture you have chosen. Always caring and happy, we always looked forward to visiting with Chuck and Patty. He was such a good neighbor & friend to my grand parents Jess & Amanda. Chuck’s wonderful spirit lives on in you all. What a great guy.

  • Raina Burke

    Papa you were the most amazing ,talented,and loving man I’ve ever known you will be in my heart forever til the day we meet again, God has definitely gained another angel! I hope your up their with mom smiling down on all of us ….love you papa

  • Barbara Stover

    Chuck will be missed by so many!! I have wonderful memories of him from when I was a young girl and spent a lot of time with the whole family.
    Babysitting Scott and Michele was my favorite job in the summer.
    Also I remember taking rides on the back of his motorcycle to visit Chucks mom. I would ride behind him while Michele rode in front of him. Patty would have Scott ride behind her.
    Also I learned how to waterski with Chuck driving the boat. I spent many summers learning so many things with the family. Chuck will sorely missed .

  • Jodi Bard

    So sorry for your loss. Chuck was a great man loved by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.