Monte Lee Kruse

Monte Lee Kruse

July 12, 1955 – February 15, 2021

Monte Lee Kruse died suddenly on Feb. 15, 2021, from cardiac arrest at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. Monte was born on July 12, 1955, in Little Rock, Iowa to Everly and Francis Kruse. He grew up on a farm north of Little Rock and graduated from Little Rock High School in 1973. Monte was a talented athlete who excelled as a baseball pitcher. He was known especially for his fastball. After being drafted by the Chicago White Sox, he chose instead to attend Creighton University, where he pitched for the team.

Following college, Monte lived and worked in a variety of places throughout the U.S. and elsewhere. He was stationed in Germany while serving in the U.S. Army. He also lived in Israel for a time. While studying at Creighton under the tutelage of celebrated photographer Don Doll, S.J., Monte developed a love of photography, which stayed with him throughout his life. He worked as a photographer and photojournalist, travelling the world, before settling in Omaha.

He became part of Omaha’s Bemis Art Center, working and living in the original Bemis building and collaborating with such artists as Terry Rosenberg in NYC and Steve Joy in the UK.  Monte had recently finished a two-year photo project capturing the surreal beauty of urban landscapes at night, which culminated in a show at the Garden of the Zodiac Gallery in the Old Market.

Monte loved life and all who were a part of his. He enjoyed lively conversation and a good meal, seasoned with his wicked sense of humor. He will be deeply missed by many for whom he was a guiding light of hope and inspiration. He was a unique man—creative, driven, kind and caring, ever sensitive to his surroundings and to the many people with whom he worked and was friends with.  He was a true artist of the highest caliber. He had a tremendous passion for his craft, as evidenced by the captivating camera images he created.

Monte is survived by his brother, Mark (Ann) Kruse of Burlington, Iowa; nephews, Stephen of Boston and John of Warrensburg, MO; aunt, Shirley Knock of Sioux Falls; cousins; and last but not least, his many fellow “art pirates” with whom he sailed the seas of creativity. He was preceded in death by his loving parents.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a gathering (party) in his memory will be held at a later date in Omaha. An interment of ashes will also be held at a later date at Pleasant View Cemetery in Little Rock.

Memorials can be sent to the family at Kruse, P.O. Box 581, Burlington, Iowa 52601.  All memorials will be applied to the preservation and archiving of his art work as well as completion of his book that was nearly finished at the time of his death.