Dr. Michael Kruse

Dr. Michael "Mike" Kruse, beloved husband, brother, friend, Doctor of Chiropractic, and man of faith, graduated to Heaven on April 26, 2026, at age 75. Mike was born on August 9, 1950, in the German community of Odessa, WA, and a short time later, the family moved to a farm in rural Marysville, WA, where he was raised by his mother and grandparents. During this period, his favorite activity was getting into mischief with his three best buddies. As with many who lived the era of "The British Invasion", the four friends formed a band, which they named "The Objects". While Mike enjoyed the camaraderie and music scene, practicing keyboards wasn't his thing. During his senior year in high school, Mike scratched the idea that "The Objects" would be the next Beatles band, and a friend introduced him to the profession of Chiropractic. ("The Objects" did, later, evolve into a well known band in the greater Seattle area called "Axis Drive".)

After graduating from Everett High School, at age 17, Mike headed out to the midwest, where he attended Palmer College of Chiropractic, in Davenport, IA. It was there, that his life changed forever. At age 17, Mike began his life work, becoming a Doctor of Chiropractic. Having never been to a Chiropractor before, it was here at Palmer, that he experienced a healing miracle of his own, with a condition he had suffered from for years. It was also here, that he performed a chiropractic adjustment on a small boy, where this small boy experienced his own miracle of health. Mike deeply enjoyed studying the history and philosophy of the art of Chiropractic, and as such, his favorite place on campus was a "museum", called "A Little Bit Of Heaven". This was a place Mike returned to often over the years, to reflect on his journey with his life profession of 50 plus years, that of Chiropractic.

After graduating from Palmer at the age of 21, Mike moved to the small city of Bellingham, to start his practice in the original Bellingham Mall. Little did Mike know, in the same year, 1973, his future wife Kay Roeszler, was living in the dorms at Western Washington State College, as a freshman.  "This and that" lead to a divine meeting of the two, at one of Bellingham's finest establishments at the time, "Good Time Charlie's", where his future wife Kay, was employed, and the rest is history.

"Bellingham Chiropractic Center", became the focus of the newly wed couple, as they planted seeds of health in the garden of Whatcom County. Mike loved his patients as if they were family, and they were. For decades, Mike served on various Chiropractic boards, for the State of Washington, and he and Kay enjoyed countless trips to Seattle, to meet with other board members. Lifelong bonds were formed with this group of individuals, who deeply loved and served their patients, in various parts of our state. During these years, Mike enjoyed speaking at numerous seminars and conventions, always eager to help out a Chiropractor new to the profession. His favorite saying was "If you love what you do, you never have to work a day in your life". Mike truly loved his work. 

Mike had a passion for automobiles, road trips, travel, sports, and oh yes, happy hours.Tinkering with vintage cars and road tripping, was always on his agenda, and many a road trip was enjoyed by Mike and Kay. They shared a love for travel, and were fortunate to visit a variety of destinations. Among Mike's favorites were Scottsdale Arizona, trips to visit family friends in Germany, travels to Australia, South America, the Caribbean, the beaches of Mexico, and many other destinations.  Many of these trips included traveling with dear friends, and lifelong memories were made during these trips. Sports were also a favorite pass time of Mike's, enjoying Husky Football, Seattle Mariners, Seattle Sonics, the Seahawks, and of course his softball team, the "Whatcom County Chiropractors", which he co-sponsored along with another Chiropractor in Bellingham.

Faith, Family, and Friends, were central to Mike's life. His faith ran deep, he loved his family and precious friends. Mike and Kay were married and together nearly 50 years, and began each day with a prayer of gratitude, for the life God blessed them with. Mike's quiet and deep faith in Christ, anchored him, right up until he went to be with The Lord. He leaned on God's strength throughout his life, no matter the circumstance. He will always be remembered as the man with the biggest smile, the biggest heart, and living his life to its fullest.

Mike is survived by his wife Kay, sister Diana (Richard), as well as family friends in Nashville, and Bavaria, Germany.