Russell Kruse, the founder of what is now Kruse International who would sing “Back Home Again in Indiana” before the annual Labor Day auction, has died. Kruse, 84, had a 50-year career as an appraiser, Realtor and auctioneer.

He came up with the idea for the Labor Day auction that now attracts car enthusiasts and collectors from around the world. The auction was started to help raise money for the Auburn Cord Dusenberg car club that met in Auburn. “They were losing money, and they wanted to know if Russell had any ideas,” said his son, David A. Kruse. Russell Kruse suggested an auction, and in 1971 the first one was held.

Born in 1922, he started as a dairy farmer. In 1952, he attended Reppert’s Auction school. Later, he conducted auctions in Canada, Europe and across America.

A service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at County Line Church of God, south of Auburn. Calling is 2-8 p.m. Sunday at Feller and Clark Funeral Home, 1860 S. Center St. in Auburn. fortwayne.com

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Posted: 05|6|07 at 9:38 am. Filed under: Auction News.