Owen Kruse had managed the Bristol Co-Op for 15 years before it burned in 1969. When management decided not to rebuild the Co-Op, Owen's friends encouraged him to open a much-needed feed mill and farm supply business to service the Bristol area. Converting an old barn on the family property on County Road 6 into a feed mill, he began custom mixing feed for local farmers and selling them products to help grow their crops.

Over the years, he expanded into custom field pesticides, large and small animal feed and bird seeds. Owen knew every one of his customers by name and maintained that friendly old-fashioned general store atmosphere.

In 1985, Owen retired to Arizona with wife Harriet during the winter, and sold the business to his son, Steve, and Jack Watson, Steve's childhood friend. They found that the market was changing from entirely rural to include lawn and garden products. Owen continued to be involved in the business during the summer season, until his death in 1997. Owen's Golden Retriever, Sam, who had been his constant companion, so missed his master that he died just 6 months later.

In 2005, Steve purchased the business from Jack Watson and for the next several years continued the tradition of offering good products at good prices with excellent customer service. In March of 2008, Jack returned from his hiatus at beekeeping and honey making to join Steve at the store as General Manager.

Today known as Kruse Farm Supply and Garden Center, the campus includes twelve buildings, seven of which are greenhouses. Kruse's provides not only the products needed to keep a healthy and attractive lawn, garden and yard, but also offers the services to free the homeowner from these chores.

The annual April Open House draws hundreds of customers on the last Saturday of April and on through the summer to choose from thousands of specialty plants, hanging baskets, flowers, vegetable and herb plants. In addition, Kruse carries a full line of trees and bushes to add beauty to any yard.

A knowledgeable staff of Master Gardens and other experts are on hand to answer questions and help the customer choose the product that best suits their needs. The expanded "Corral" and "Bird's Nest" offer quality equine products and excellent lines of bird equipment and supplies. It is no wonder that Kruse has become a one-stop shopping point in Elkhart County for all of your farm, lawn and garden needs. Stop in soon and see what we've got in store for you.