KRUGER, Alma (Duin) 1937-2011

KRUGER, SCHRICK, DUIN

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - Volunteer (email)
Date: 2/4/2011 at 14:23:35

Alma Kruger age 73 of Valley Springs, South Dakota, and formerly of George, Iowa died Saturday, January 29, 2011 at the Centennial Hospice Cottage in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Private family memorial services will be held at a later date. Visitation will be Tuesday, February 1st from 2:00 to 8:30 PM, with the family present from 5:00 to 8:30 PM at the Jurrens Funeral Home of George.

Alma Aletha Kruger was born April 15, 1937 near George, Iowa, the daughter of Peter F. and Anna (Schrick) Duin. She grew up on a farm northeast of George and attended country school. She graduated from George High School in 1955.

She was united in marriage to John P. Kruger on October 19, 1956 at the Ebenezer Presbyterian Parsonage in George, Iowa. To this union four children were born, namely Merlyn, Arlyn, Karla and Dean. Alma and John lived in George, while Alma worked in the office of Dr. John G. Lavender and later the Rock Rapids Clinic. In 1995, Alma and John moved to Brandon, SD and Alma worked for P.S.I., a home health equipment company, and also Sanford Clinic and Sanford Hospital.

Alma loved caring for people and was known for her sense of humor and contagious laugh. In the 1970’s she participated in bowling. She loved watching the birds from her kitchen window.

In 2002, due to John’s failing health they moved to Valley Springs, South Dakota, to live with their daughter and her family. In 2004, Alma was diagnosed with cancer and battled the disease on and off through the years. On April 5, 2005, Alma’s husband John died, after 48 years of marriage. Alma continued to work until retiring in 2010.

After a recurrence of cancer in August of 2010 her health continued to decline. She entered Sanford Hospice Cottage in Sioux Falls in January of 2011, where she remained until her death, this past Saturday, January 29, 2011.

She is survived by three sons, Merlyn and his wife, Beverly Kruger of Truman, Minnesota, Arlyn of Canton, South Dakota and Dean and his wife, Julie Kruger of Humboldt, Iowa; daughter, Karla and husband, Jeff Arlt of Valley Springs, South Dakota; grandchildren, Ryan and wife, Megan Kruger, Sara and husband, Brandon Schwab and son, Carter, and Kaitlin Arlt; step-grandchildren, Kim Buller and son, Brayden, Kyle Arlt, Jennifer and husband, Travis Hodges and son Tate, and Abby and Allie McCrady; two sisters, Anna May and her husband, Jay Ackerman and Elaine and husband, Kenneth Geerdes; her aunt, Mae Kersten; and many nieces, nephews and other extended family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John Kruger; parents, Peter and Anna Duin; four brothers, Bernard, Marlan, Fred and Peter G. Duin.

(Jurrens Funeral Homes)