Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
KRUSE, William G.
KRUSE, William G. (Dubuque, IA, Jan. 4, 1924--Dubuque, IA, May 8, 2012). Civic leader and retired chief executive officer of FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF DUBUQUE. Kruse joined First National Bank as a messenger fifteen days after becoming eighteen years of age. Over the next 52 years, he was promoted many times and retired as president and chief executive officer. He remained with the bank four additional years as chairman of the board. He was a member of the Iowa Bankers Association and a recipient of the 50-Year Member Award. He also belonged to the American Bankers Association.
Bill was a member of the Iowa Bankers Association (and recipient of the 50-Year Member Award) and the American Bankers Association. He attended the School of Financial Public Relations at Northwestern University in 1958 and the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin in 1961.
Widely respected for his commitment to the city of Dubuque, Kruse developed long ties to many local service organizations and commissions. He began his service to the community in 1955 with the JAYCEES as chairman of the Christmas party for the children of less fortunate families in the community.
He served on the Board of the UNIVERSITY OF DUBUQUE for 44 years. During this time, he served as chairman of the board and a member of its executive, finance and development committees. On May 16, 1998, the University of Dubuque conferred upon Bill the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa. He remained a member of the board emeritus.
Bill served in leadership positions with many community organizations. He was chairman of The FINLEY HOSPITAL Board of Directors and a member of its executive, finance and building committees; he served 10 years on the Finley Health Foundation. Bill was a member of the Board of Directors for Junior Achievement of the Tri-States, Inc., a member of the Clarke College (University) Development Council for 40 years, DUBUQUE MUSEUM OF ART Board of Directors and the Hillcrest Family Services Board.
Bill served on the LINWOOD CEMETERY Association Board of Trustees for 50 years, including terms as president and treasurer.
In addition, Bill was an active member of many area organizations: Heritage Trail Executive Committee; Loras College Development Committee; past member of the DUBUQUE SHOOTING SOCIETY (330 Club); DUBUQUE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE; Dubuque Rotary Club; American Legion Post 6 of Dubuque and its 40/8 Society; DUBUQUE GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB; and the ELKS CLUB. He also was an elder of WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
Bill was the recipient of numerous honors and awards. In 1989, he received the Distinguished Civic Service Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce; the Gil Chavenelle Award from the Dubuque Jaycees for outstanding service to the community; and the Silver Leadership Award, presented by National Junior Achievement. In 1990 the TELEGRAPH HERALD awarded Kruse and Walter PETERSON its FIRST CITIZEN AWARD. Bill was inducted into the Dubuque Business Hall of Fame that same year.