Philip Henry Kruis

Published 9:17 am Friday, September 6, 2024

Philip Henry Kruis

November 6, 1950 – August 28, 2024

Philip Henry Kruis was born in Grand Rapids, MI on November 6, 1950 to two God-fearing parents, Peter and Annette (VanZwol) Kruis.


Throughout the course of Phil’s childhood and teen years, the family moved to Mt. Vernon, WA, Amsterdam, MT, Sunnyside, WA and Lansing, IL.


Phil came into this world his eyes twinkling with curiosity, adventure and mischief. He was an independent child and rode his bike throughout his home towns from breakfast until dinner. Studies took a back seat to girls and social life in high school. 




Phil graduated from Illiana Christian High School in Lansing, IL in June of 1969. That December Phil watched the Draft Lottery as the Draft Board pulled Phil’s birthday on the 76th draw. Phil was headed to Vietnam.


Before he left the States, Phil met Linae Halstead. Linae wrote to Phil every day he was in Vietnam.


When discharged from the Army, Phil returned to Linae in Medford, OR and they married on June 24, 1972. Shortly after they married Linae gave her life to Christ and shortly after that Phil rededicated his life to Christ.


God blessed Phil and Linae with four children, Elisha, Jesse, Moriah and Keilah, who through their parents’ faithful ministry and the mystery of God’s inspiration all live out a deep faith in Jesus Christ.


Phil worked at Cascade Wood Products, until 2002 when he got his contractor’s license and began building homes under the business name Kruis Construction, LLC. Phil enjoyed the creativity of taking something on paper and making it happen. “It’s part of how we’re like God,” Phil said. “God created the whole universe. We mimic God in creating.”


Phil retired in 2015 at age 65.


Linae died of pancreatic cancer in November of 2017.


Two years later, Phil met Gail Heffron from Eugene. They knew almost immediately they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together and married on August 5, 2019.


In Spring of 2023, doctors diagnosed Phil with pancreatic cancer.
Philip Henry Kruis died August 28 at the age of 73 surrounded by his four children and his wife, Gail.


Phil’s father, Peter, Phil’s first wife, Linae, and his stepson, Seth Heffron, preceded him in death.


He is survived by his wife, Gail Kruis; his mother, Annette Kruis; his sons Elisha and Jesse Kruis; his daughters Moriah (Andrew) Burns and Keilah (Beau) Jeska; his sister Corliss (Jim) Mock; his brother Stan (Bessie)Kruis; and his sister Pat (Mel)Tellinghusen.


Phil also leaves five nieces and seven nephews and twelve grandchildren.


Through his marriage to Gail, Phil grew to love her children. He leaves Lori (Adam) Griffiths; Alicia (Mike) Black; Andrew Heffron; Rebekah Heffron; Lacie Harris; and daughter-in-law Brittany Heffron. 
Through Gail, Phil had twelve grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.


A memorial for Phil Kruis will be held at 2 p.m. on October 12 at Trail Christian Fellowship in Shady Cove, OR.


In lieu of flowers, Phil requests donations be made to: 


Emanuel Christian Church Ixtapa, 1200 Ranch Dr., Bonham, TX 7 5418

Note: Mexican Ministries.