John Otis Krouse

John Krouse was thrilled to meet his maker March 30th, 2023 at 8:26 AM after a life full of interest and adventure. 

Born in South Bend Indiana April 7, 1948 as the second son, to Parker Allen Krouse and Marion Ruth Davies the family soon moved to Michigan. In the early part of his life, he lived on Boyce Blank Island enjoying carefree days of swimming, boating and fishing. Later his family moved to Hesperia and John continued to grow and thrive. Two little sisters were added to the family here. After graduation he enlisted in the Vietnam War. Upon graduating from basic mechanic school, John went to Germany to do automotive and tank repair. He lived in the main barracks and wasted time, he said, drinking and fighting. He loved October Fest. Upon his release from the service, he traveled with his buddy Mike here and there, once spending time mowing Grandpa Jones's lawn, he of Grand Old Opry fame.

Not too long after that they jumped trains and made their way to Red Lodge, MT where Mike's uncle had need of hands for the pea harvest. Later, ending up in Billings, MT John got a job as a mechanic working for Mike Johnson at a local gas station. Then met his future wife. Beverly Mering and John were married September 15th, 1972 in a small wedding party of seven. John moved up to truck mechanic for a local trucker and their son, Adam Krouse was born May 17, 1976. John's old boss Mike once again hired John, this time as an insurance agent for New York Life. John spent a couple years in Billings selling and then moved with this same boss to Farm Bureau Life Insurance and physically moved to Polson, MT. Here he sold all farm, home, auto, health and life insurance. He was able to travel in a different direction every day and still be home at night for dinner. He really enjoyed the area and the people.

Realizing that this life came with no retirement, John signed up for the Army Reserves at about the last minute he could. In Kalispell, MT he quickly rose to sergeant and then staff sergeant doing water purification and then started getting serious about going fulltime. He also trained as a chemical weapons specialist. He applied, but had to wait 2 years before he was accepted into the Army National Guard and Reserves. This quick job opening was followed by a fast move to Fort Worth, TX. In Fort Worth John became a light wheel mechanic along with being the unit supply and training NCO. Here he was promoted to Sergeant First class. After 6 years in Texas, he was moved to Shoreview, MN where he joined the 212th company as Motor Sergeant until 2000. John attended ANCOC and the Master Fitness Training Course while here.

Then John was transferred to the 706th Transportation Company in Mansfield, OH, where he served from 2000 to 2001. While there he was promoted to his highest rank of Master Sergeant. In 2001, MSG Krouse returned to Arden Hills, MN and became the Operations Sergeant with the 302nd Maintenance Battalion; a position he held until 2003 at which time he became the Senior Maintenance Supervisor for the Battalion, In September of 2006 MSG Krouse was detailed to the Northern Engineer Brigade as the Senior Maintenance supervisor for the Brigade. During this period, John attended the Battle Staff NCO Course, and he also thoroughly enjoyed learning to operate a 22 ton. His best days were when he was called on to operate the crane for a day as it relieved him from the drudgery of the task of breaking down an old unit and starting a new one.

MSG Krouse's awards include: Meritorious Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal (2 OLC), Good Conduct Medal (w/5 knots), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal (w/bronze hourglass), NCO Professional Development Ribbon (w/bronze numeral 3), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon. His badges include the Driver and Mechanic Badge with Driver-W and Mechanic bars, and the Sharpshooter Marksmanship Qualification Badge with M-16 bar.

After mandatory retirement, John and his wife moved to Sheridan, MT to live in the mountains, enjoy the scenery and participate in neighborhood life. John was always willing to lend a hand to any task needed. John had brain surgery in 2017, it was a benign cyst, but started him on a long decline of health. Eventually his decline was labeled as Parkinson's disease. John and Bev moved to the outskirts of Sheridan in 2018 and where John continued to enjoy the mountain view as he declined even further.

He leaves behind his wife of 50 years, Beverly Krouse, their son Adam Krouse and his partner Hishu Wea McGrady, a brother Jim Krouse, sister Dora (Brimmer) and sister Kathy (DeGroot ,5 nieces and nephews, 12 grandnieces and nephews and 4 great grand nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his faithful dog, Joy, and many army buddies, beloved neighbors and old time friends. 

A service will be held April 11th at 11 AM at the Ruby Valley Baptist Church in Sheridan, MT.

In lieu of flowers or gifts donations may be made to The Michael J.Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, P.O. Box 5014 Hagerstown, MD 21741.