Parker Johnson Kruse

Parker Johnson Kruse, age 22 of Arena, went missing on Saturday, July 3, 2021, after saving a boater in need on the lower Wisconsin River. Parker was born in Prairie du Sac on June 18, 1999, to Jacquelyn Johnson- Kruse and Joel Kruse. Parker would help anyone that was in need without any hesitation. His family would say he was best known as Radar, because he was always listening, even when they didn’t think he was. He knew a lot of things at his young age. He was always taking in new information and was willing to try anything at least once. He was the one to light up a room with just his presence. Parker was happy to be a part of a large loving family. He was also a proud big brother to his sister McKenzie. Though he didn’t always show it, he loved that she looked up to him. She is like him, animated and full of energy. His brother Sawyer was his first best friend. Only having a two-year head start on Parker, there were very few things Sawyer experienced without Parker. Parker looked up to and enjoyed spending time with older brothers, Quentin and Jacob and their families. Parker graduated from River Valley High School in 2018, there met the love of his life, Kourtney Higgins. They shared a love like no other at such a young age. They grew into adulthood together and were excited for their future. After high school, Parker graduated from Western Technical College in 2019 for HVAC but realized it wasn’t for him. Parker loved working with heavy equipment from a young age. He learned the trade and hard work ethic from his Grandpa Jerry Johnson. Digging was his true passion. He then went into the workforce as a heavy equipment operator, and most recently worked for Boehnen’s Inc, in Cross Plains. It was never work to Parker, just a chance to dig in the dirt with his friends. One friend that he couldn’t work without is Kallan Maxwell. You can ask anyone, but especially Kallan will tell you that everything was fun with Parker, even the hard stuff. Parker is survived by his loving parents, Jackie Johnson-Kruse and Joel Kruse; favorite sister, McKenzie Kruse, brothers, Sawyer (Mary Clare) Kruse, Quentin (Alina) Kruse, and Jacob (Dana) Kruse; and the love of his life, Kourtney Higgins; nieces and nephews, Ayden, Noah, Heidi, Clara, and Macie. Parker also leaves behind grandmother Gloria Moles and best friend, Kallan (KayDee) Maxwell. Parker is further survived by aunts and uncles, Julia Johnson, Joni (Kraig) Johnson- Kropp, Janna (Mark) Johnson- Fuchs, James (Betty) Kruse, Jerry Kruse, and Jerome (Nancy) Kruse. Parker was blessed to grow up with an awesome crew of cousins including, Brock, Riley, Katie, Kody, Karson, Kennedy, Adrien, Lydia, Tommy, Jeromy, Daniele, Branden, and Colton. Parker leaves behind many more relatives, good friends, and dogs Charlie and Olivia. To know him was to love him. Parker is preceded in death by his loving grandparents Jerry and Cathy Johnson, Robert Kruse, and Alvin Moles; and cousin Kody Phillips.  Visitation will be held on Monday, November 29, 2021, from 4 to 7 p.m. and again on Tuesday, November 30, 2021, from 10 to 11 a.m. at New Heights Lutheran Church, 1705 Center Street, Black Earth. The memorial service will be held on Tuesday, November 30, 2021, at 11 a.m. at the church with Pastor Rob Nelson officiating. The funeral service will be live streamed through New Heights LC Facebook page or New Heights Church on YouTube. We appreciate everyone’s continued support and prayers while we continue to search for Parker. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to “Promise Parker” to honor Parker and help with continued search efforts.