Born in
Utulei and raised in
Leone, his early life was marked by diverse work experiences, including roles as a planter, hog farmer, construction laborer, delivery vendor, stevedore, carpenter, baker, retailer, warehouseman, and corporate officer. He was the son of
Masoe Fritz Kruse, a Member of Parliament, and Peleiupu Aigamaua Kruse. From a young age, Kruse was actively involved in his parents' business ventures, which included farming, merchandising, and management. Kruse’s education began in Leone and continued in
Apia,
Western Samoa, before he attended high school in
Auckland, New Zealand. He earned his bachelor’s and law degrees from
Victoria University in
Wellington and pursued post-graduate studies at the National Law Center of
George Washington University in Washington, DC, where he obtained a
Master of Comparative Law degree. During his time in DC, he also worked part-time in the office of
A. U. Fuimaono, the first delegate from American Samoa to the
U.S. Congress. Upon returning to American Samoa, Kruse practiced law in both Apia and
Pago Pago as part of the Kruse & Kruse law firm. In 1985, he partnered with John Ward and Aitofele Sunia to form a new legal practice. Kruse was a member of the bar associations in the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Western Samoa, and New Zealand. He also served as Vice President and President of the
American Samoa Bar Association. Between 1979 and 1985, he held the position of Judge Pro Tempore at the newly established District Court of American Samoa. Kruse's judicial career advanced when he was appointed Associate Justice of the High Court of American Samoa on March 1, 1987. On November 1, 1988, Interior Secretary
Donald P. Hodel appointed him Chief Justice, making Kruse the first Samoan to hold this position. He is the registered holder of the Leone orator matai title, Lealaialoa. Kruse married Gail Brunt-Meredith of Apia, and they have three children together. ==Career==