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It is with a heavy heart that I write about the passing of a good friend and community staple for decades Pastor George Cruys.   If you have lived in the area for some time, you may recognize the name.   George was the pastor at Trinity Lutheran here in Lindstrom for years.  His wonderful wife Kerine ran Gustaf’s Gifts which was a Swedish gift shop located where Gustaf’s Eatery is now.

The two of them raised Steve,  who is also a pastor and Paul.  Being good buddies with Paul meant spending a lot of time with George.  What struck me back then was how his humor was.  Not dirty by any means, but witty and sharp and ready to give it back to Paul or his smart-aleck friends at the drop of a hat.  And if you know Steve or Paul you know the apple didn’t fall far.

When my wife and I were dating and finally decided to tie the knot, I called George, even before my parents.  I wanted him to marry us.  I didn’t grow up in his church and wasn’t even Lutheran, but I knew who I wanted to officiate our wedding.  I called George on a Thursday evening and asked him. 

“Matt - we require months of marital classes and meetings with the pastor before a wedding” he said. The phone went silent.  After 30 seconds and papers rustling in the background he says “I will do it, how does next Monday sound?”  Typical George, so nice and so giving.   He is in a better place, but those of us who knew him are in a better place for knowing him.  Rest In Peace George, you are missed already.

My heart goes out to the families of the fallen police officers and the EMT who lost their lives in Burnsville.  This senseless act changed so many lives forever because of one man.

If you would like to donate to the families there is a link www.lels.org or check city of Burnsville’s site.  All of the proceeds go directly to the families to help them cope with this awful tragedy.  I did a bit of searching and there are already a ton of donation sites, and the city of Burnsville is only recommending this site to avoid scammers. 

If you own a business and have been thinking about participating in the 2024 Chisago Lakes Showcase (formerly the home and garden show) I would urge you to sign up.  The show has been reduced at the request of the majority of vendors in years past from two days to one day, Saturday March 23 at the Wildcat Community Center at the high school in Lindstrom.  

Despite the warm weather, we are still accepting winter season  clothing to be donated to the homeless.  If you have gotten spring fever and started cleaning out your closets, consider donating clothing here and we will make sure it goes directly to the homeless.

 

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