Dr. Robert B. Kruse, 79, of Punta Gorda, Fla., passed away Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012.

He was born June 26, 1933, in Indianapolis, Ind., and was the son of Robert and Edna (nee Osterhage) Kruse.

Robert earned his bachelor’s degree at Butler University, and his master’s and Ph.D. at Purdue University. He retired from Thiokol Chemical Corp. as its Principal Scientist. Robert moved from Huntsville, Ala., to Punta Gorda in 1990. Robert was a member of AIAA, Sigma XI , the Isles Yacht Club and the Church of the Good Shepherd Episcopal. He was a guest lecturer for UTSI for 35 years. Robert and his wife enjoyed sailing and traveling.

Robert is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Inge; goddaughter, Jana R. Young; and cousins, Rosie Steadman and Ralph Winstanley III.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 30, 2012, at Church of the Good Shepherd in Punta Gorda. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Church of the Good Shepherd, 401 W. Henry St., Punta Gorda, FL 33950. To express condolences to the family, please visit www.Ltaylorfuneral.com and sign the online guestbook.

Arrangements are by Larry Taylor Funeral and Cremation Services.