Gary Kruse (born 1938) is a lifelong Midwesterner, entrepreneur, and storyteller whose work has blended small-town grit with big ideas. He built Kruse Distributing Company, later incorporated as Krudico Inc., into a respected water-treatment business, known for practical innovation and strong dealer relationships. A longtime industry educator, Kruse has written for trade publications, chaired national educational seminars, and helped author water-treatment references, including Water Filtration and Reverse Osmosis, as well as his own guide to water treatment. In 2002, he received the International Water Quality Association’s Key Award of Merit for contributions to both the industry and his home community.

Deeply involved in civic life, Kruse was named Lake View’s Citizen of the Year and later honored as Grand Marshal of the city parade. He and his wife, Myrna, also created community traditions, like the Cow Pasture Golf tournament, which has raised thousands for local causes.