East County News Service
January 16, 2021 (La Mesa) – Bob Kruse, 62, a La Mesa resident who oversaw over 50 local Goodwill sites as Director of Facilities, has died of COVID-19.
He fell ill in early December with a high fever and chills, according to family members, 10 News reports. He was hospitalized on December 11 but his condition deteriorated. He was placed on a ventilator on Christmas morning, suffering a heart attack later that day. Last week, he was taken off life support.
Kruse graduated from Helix High School in 1976, according to his Facebook page. A father and grandfather of four grandchildren, he is remembered by his daughter, Heather Stiles for having a kind heart. “He was the person you called when you needed help,” she said.
Kruse began working for Goodwill, a nonprofit organization, in 1985 loading donations and became Director of Facilities in 2007.
“He was, loyal, dedicated and good man … He loved the mission and the people,” said Toni Giffin, CEO of Goodwill Industries of San Diego County.
His daughter has this message for others: “Wear a mask to protect others from what you may not know you have,” she told 10 News, adding that her father was careful about wearing a mask.
A Gofundme campaign has been set up to help the family with medical and burial costs.