Saint Paul -- Governor Tim Pawlenty has ordered that all U.S. flags and Minnesota flags be flown at half-staff at all state and federal buildings in the State of Minnesota, from sunrise until sunset on Monday, April 12, 2010, in honor and remembrance of Sergeant Kurt E. Kruize.

WHEREAS: Sergeant Kurt E. Kruize was born in Morris, Minnesota, on June 11, 1974; and

WHEREAS: Sergeant Kurt E. Kruize graduated from Hancock High School, Hancock, Minnesota, in 1993; and

WHEREAS: Sergeant Kurt E. Kruize enlisted in the United States Army Reserve during high school; and

WHEREAS: Sergeant Kurt E. Kruize was a member of A Company, 367th Engineer Battalion, U.S. Army Reserve, Saint Cloud, Minnesota; and

WHEREAS: Sergeant Kurt E. Kruize was a devoted soldier and selfless leader. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with family and friends; and

WHEREAS: Sergeant Kurt E. Kruize died a hero on Sunday, April 4, 2010, in Baghdad, Iraq, while serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom; and

WHEREAS: Sergeant Kurt E. Kruize is survived by his wife, Billie Jo; children, Austin, Annabelle, Raven, and Tamika; parents, Lyle and Beverly; sisters and brothers-in-law, Tammy and Collin, and Kari and Nathan; brother and sister-in-law, Darren and Cindy; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Robert and Evelyn; and other loving family and friends; and

WHEREAS: Sergeant Kurt E. Kruize was preceded in death by his grandmother, Florence, and grandfather, Oliver; and

WHEREAS: Visitation for Sergeant Kurt E. Kruize will be held Sunday, April 11, 2010, from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home, Saint Cloud, Minnesota; and

WHEREAS: Mass of Christian Burial for Sergeant Kurt E. Kruize will be held Monday, April 12, 2010, at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Mary’s Cathedral, Saint Cloud, Minnesota; and

WHEREAS: Interment with full military honors will be held Monday, April 12, 2010, at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, Little Falls, Minnesota; and

WHEREAS: The State of Minnesota recognizes Sergeant Kurt E. Kruize for his dedicated service to and sacrifice for the people of this country with our deepest gratitude, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and community.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, TIM PAWLENTY, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby order all U.S. flags and Minnesota flags be flown at half-staff at all state and federal buildings in the State of Minnesota, from sunrise until sunset on Monday, April 12, 2010, in honor and remembrance of Sergeant Kurt E. Kruize.