DeLorna E. Kruse

Obituary

DeLorna Emilia Albertina Kruse was born on March 23, 1923, in Cedar Mills Township, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Emil and Elsie (Kaliebe) Schlueter. She was made a child of God and an heir of everlasting life in heaven by the means of the Sacrament of Holy Baptism as an infant on March 24, 1923, at her home by Pastor Baur and was later confirmed in her faith as a youth on May 30, 1937, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Cedar Mills by Pastor A.C. Krueger. DeLorna attended grade school in Meeker County and also attended the St. John’s Parochial school in Cedar Mills. Much of her early years were spent doing farm work at her family farm.

On September 5, 1943, DeLorna was united in marriage to Fred Kruse at St. John’s Lutheran Church by Pastor A.C. Krueger. This marriage was blessed with two daughters and one son, Donna, Diane, and Duane. Fred and DeLorna farmed together with their family southwest of Cedar Mills Township. They shared 36 years of marriage until the passing of Fred on October 9, 1981.

DeLorna found great happiness in helping her husband with their farming and janitor duties at the church for 16 years. She enjoyed working at the HTI kitchen for Lundahl’s Catering from 1990 to 1996. DeLorna shared many good times with the ladies, working together and making new friends.

She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. DeLorna loved taking care of her family. Cooking and baking for her family was important to her. She spent a lot of time visiting family and her friends. DeLorna also enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as she loved them very much.

DeLorna enjoyed making quilts, embroidery work, and traveling, especially many trips to Hackensack. DeLorna loved flowers and working in her garden, which included making flower bouquets for church occasions. She also enjoyed taking care of the animals on the farm; caring and raising ducks, geese, and chickens.

DeLorna was a lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, where she was involved in church activities. She served as Vice President and President of the Mary Martha Guild, and the church choir. She also was involved with the Ladies Home Project Group of Meeker County.

DeLorna is remembered as a caring and sharing person by her family. When DeLorna needed assistance with her care, she moved to Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson, it was there she passed away on Thursday, December 26, 2019, at the age of 96 years. Blessed be her memory.

DeLorna is survived by her:
Children, Donna Hoff and her special friend, Loyd Wiggert, of Litchfield, MN,
                  Duane Kruse and his wife, Brenda, of Cosmos, MN,
                  Diane Van Nurden of Stewart, MN;
Grandchildren, Donn Hoff and his wife Darcy, LeAnn Olson, Kevin Hoff and his wife, Jill, Dean Kruse and his wife, Camie, Bradley Kruse, Cristy Kruse, Matthew Kruse and his special friend, Jessica, Jason Kruse and his wife, Susan, Stephanie Salmela and her husband, Jeff, Richard Van Nurden, Melissa Wiggert and her husband, Judd, Jesse Van Nurden and his wife, Hollie;
25 Great-Grandchildren;
Many relatives and friends.

DeLorna is preceded in death by her Parents, Emil and Elsie Schlueter; Husband, Fred Kruse; Sons-in-law, Dennis Hoff, James Van Nurden; Grandson, Dale Hoff; Great-granddaughter, Gracie Wiggert; Grandson, Danny Olson; Sisters, Mabel Schlueter, Bernett Schlueter, and Verona Kruse and her husband, Gerhardt; Brothers-in-law, George Kruse and his wife, Evangeline, John Kruse and his wife, Evelyn; Sister-in-law, Elizabeth Treicher and her husband, Clinton.