Former Sterling College coach, and recently-named NAIA Hall of Fame inductee, Lonnie Kruse passed away Friday, Sept. 23, 2016. Kruse was the head coach for the Sterling College Women’s Basketball team from 1981-2014.

“We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Coach Kruse. Lonnie modeled servant leadership in all that he did, whether as a coach, mentor or friend. His legacy will be remembered by the countless lives he touched and his influence will continue to spread for many years to come,” said Scott Rich, president.

Funeral service will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 28, at 10 a.m. in the Gleason Physical Education Center on the Sterling College campus. Visitation will be on Tuesday, Sept. 27, from 2-7 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Lyons with the family present from 5-7 p.m. Memorials can be made to the Sterling College Women's Basketball Program or First Baptist Church of Lyons in care of Birzer Funeral Home in Sterling.

Kruse was inducted into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame in October 2015 and was announced as an inductee into the NAIA Hall of Fame. He ended his career as winningest coach in Kansas women’s basketball history with a record of 706-244.

In addition to KCAC and NAIA Hall of Fame recognition, Kruse's honors include being inducted to the Sterling College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1994, being the namesake for the Sterling College basketball court in 2013 and the KCAC Coach of the Year award named in his honor in 2014.

Sterling College is a Christ-centered, four-year college located in Sterling, Kansas, with a mission to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith. For more information, visit www.sterling.edu.