Elmer Kruse, a resident at Terrace View Gardens in Cincinnati never had a birthday party for himself. That changed this year after staff members threw him a 100th birthday celebration to remember.
Terrace View celebrated by holding a socially distant birthday celebration for the World War II veteran late last week.
Staff members gathered outdoors with decorations and cake to celebrate the milestone, and Kruse could be seen smiling from ear to ear.
100th birthday late last week.
“It’s a little bit different during the COVID time,” Terrace View Gardens Administrator Sandy Campbell said. “We’d love to have a big bash for him but we’re doing everything we can to be safe.”
Campbell explained that Kruse, who’s been a resident at the facility for about two years, told staff members he’s never really celebrated his birthday because of his religion.
Over his lifetime, Kruse has been stationed in Europe while with the Army. He got married. He saw his first baseball game in 1927. But through it all he’s learned to live and cherish each moment.
“I don’t know why I’m 100,” Kruse said after being asked what’s the secret to a long life. “I keep plugging along.”
“I feel pretty good.”
