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Cruff, age 80 of Valley City, ND died Wednesday April 11, 2012 at the Sheyenne Care Center in Valley City. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 AM Monday April 16, 2012 at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Valley City with Msgr Dennis Skonseng celebrant. Visitation will be Sunday from 4 PM until 7 PM at the Lerud-Schuldt Funeral Home with a Prayer Service beginning at 7 PM. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services Monday at St. Catherine’s Church. Interment will be in St. Catherine’s Cemetery.
Kenneth was born to Clair and Murlie (Beil) Cruff in Noltemeir Township in 1931, and grew up in the Rogers area. Kenneth attended and graduated from Valley City High School. After graduation, he worked on the family farm until joining the United States Air Force for 3 1/2 years with service in the U.S., England, and Germany. Upon his discharge he started farming northeast of Rogers and married Benora Schmidt in October of 1955. After farming for a few years Kenneth became a Rural Letter Carrier for Sanborn, Rogers and Leal for 28 years; retiring in 1992.
Ken was very active in the community. His memberships included the North Dakota State Rural Letter Carriers Association; serving as the secretary – treasurer, and as president. He was a member of the church board for St. Mary’s Church in Dazey, and was a member of the Eagles, Elks,VFW, and the Rogers’ Township Board.
He is survived by his wife Benora, two sons; Tim (Carol) Cruff of Fargo, and Michael (Joni) Cruff of Minot. Two granddaughters; Laura Cruff of Fargo, and Kendra Cruff of Minot. Two brothers; William (Kathy) Cruff of Rogers, Gary (Sandra) Cruff of Vergus, Mn. Two sisters; Carol (Dale) Kiser of Valley City, and Bonnie Burchill of Valley City. He is also survived by a brother-in-law Odis Foreman of Green River, Wy. and numerous nieces and nephews. Kenneth was proceded in death by his parents, a younger brother, and a younger sister.
Past honors included; Barnes County Outstanding Young Farmer, appeared in Outstanding Young Men in America 1964, and the North Dakota State Mail Carrier of the Year.
Kenneth was an avid reader, and enjoyed working on the farm, photographing animals, and a bit of deer hunting on the farm.