Bruce E. Krouse

March 5, 1942 - February 1, 2017

Bruce Eugene Krouse, 74, a Cape Coral, FL resident since 1990, formerly of Traverse City, MI passed away Wednesday, February 1, 2017 in North Ft. Myers, FL. He was born March 5, 1942 in Ionia, MI to Ken and Greta Krouse, now deceased.

Bruce at a young age moved to Traverse City, Michigan living with Aunt and Uncle, Ken and Rose Krouse.

He attended Suttons Bay High School and after graduation he lived in California for about a year.
Bruce joined the US Navy for 4 years, attended Basic Training and completed A&B School for Electronics, Communication at Great Lakes, Illinois. After A&B School he was assigned to the USS Enterprise the first nuclear aircraft carrier.

His service while on the USS Enterprise included the Cuban Crisis with a blockade for 97 days till the crisis was resolved, three Mediterranean deployments serving 18 months addressing various hot spots and his last sea duty on the USS Enterprise was to complete an around the world trip with two other nuclear ships. They stopped in all major countries to display the United States naval power. The USS Enterprise was sent to Vietnam and Bruce was transferred to US Naval 5th Naval District Norfolk, VA. At that time all military personnel service was extended by 6 months. At the 5th Naval District he was put in charge of the Repair Depot of all Communications Entertainment Systems, where he finished his term with an honorable discharge.

Bruce returned to Suttons Bay, Michigan for a short stay prior to moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was hired by Lear Siegler and during the Vietnam War they worked 6-7 days a week building equipment for airplanes and ships. After 2 ½ years he left Lear Siegler, moving back to Suttons Bay, Michigan where he opened a small tire and repair shop. After 3 years he had built what became known as Krouse Tire Inc. with stores in Traverse City, Kalkaska, Charlevoix, and Elk Rapids. Twenty-seven years later Bruce sold his last store and moved to Cape Coral, Florida. He then bought a bar in Cape Coral called Ralphs Place, building it to be a large sports bar. After several years he sold it to retire.
He always said “Just one more….” Coming out of retirement, he lived in Costa Rica for a short period of time where he owned TNT Construction Company and proceeded to build (3) golf courses. After selling everything in Costa Rica he moved back to Northern Michigan. Just one more…. he bought Laughing Horse Saloon and spent several months building and restoring. Six months after the opening he sold his share to his partners.

Last one…. Bruce bought a restaurant lounge next to Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville, Michigan. He completely rebuilt the abandoned structure for approximately one year, opened as the Crystal Palace Lounge and operated for 13 ½ years and then retiring to Florida in October 2014.
Bruce will be remembered as a patriot, hardworking, loyal and generous friend and a loving father and grandfather.

He is survived by his daughter Renee (David) Hood of Newnan, GA; brother Doug Krouse; as well grandchildren Jordan (Emily) Hood and Christen (Brad) Schwartz.

Preceded in passing by Uncle Ken and Rose Krouse; sister, Janet McQuarrie and brother, Larry Krouse.

A Graveside Service will be held 2:00 PM Friday, February 17, 2017 at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL 34241.

Memorial Contributions in memory of Bruce Eugene Krouse are suggested to Fisher House Foundation and Wounded Warrior Foundationhttps://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/.

Friends are invited to send condolences via the on-line guest book which can be found at https://mullinsmemorial.com.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.

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