Susan Kruse

KRUSE, SEUNTJENS

Posted By: Marthann (email)
Date: 12/9/2006 at 12:39:57

Susan Kruse

The Dunlap Reporter December 08, 2006

Susan Kruse passed away peacefully at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines Monday, November 27, 2006 at the age of 51 after a brave struggle with recurrent breast cancer. She was surrounded by, and is survived by a large and very close family: her parents, Clair and Tootie Seuntjens; her brothers: Kurt (Cindy), Pete (Jenny), and Barney (Jen); and her sisters, Liz Vermeersch (Tom), Heidi Reed (Ron), and Jill Sailer (Gary). Her husband of 28 years, Grant; and her daughters, Beth and Heather were also by her side, as well as Jim and Cindy Smith, Denise Suess, and Gary and Christie Peitzmeier, some of her dearest friends.

Sue's happiest moments were as the "ultimate band mom" for hundreds of kids at West Des Moines Valley High School. She was in charge of the band uniforms for many years, and took great pride in making sure that the Marchmasters looked top notch from head to toe. Perhaps one of her proudest moments was seeing the Marchmasters perform in the Rose Parade prior to the Rose Bowl in 2004. She provided all kinds of help and encouragement to "her" kids, from candy to reassurance to spare socks, she loved them all, and they loved her back.

Sue graduated from Schleswig High School in 1973, and from Iowa State University with a degree in home economics education in 1977. She was proud of her rural roots, and she regularly helped with cattle and quilting exhibitions at the Ida County Fair and Iowa State Fair.

She was a talented seamstress who delighted in creating marvelous clothing and stuffed animals for many of her friends and family and their children, including her eighteen nieces and nephews who loved their aunt Suzie.

Sue lived for her own children as well, traveling to hundreds of dance practices and competitions with both Beth and Heather, as well as many performances when they were in the Valley music program. But her greatest gift was as a loyal and supportive friend. Her infectious giggle, positive attitude, and unconditional love will be remembered and treasured by everyone who knew her.

Funeral Mass was held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church Friday morning, December 1, 2006 at 11 a.m. with Father Michael Hess officiating and Father Leroy Seuntjens as homilist.

Organist was Janice Weast and cantor was Sheila Hancock.

Interment was made at Jordan Cemetery in West Des Moines, Iowa. Pallbearers were Mike Cornelison, Barney Seuntjens, Pete Seuntjens, Kurt Seuntjens, Ron Reed and Tom Vermeersch.