Kruse, Evelyn Kay (Mrs. Dick) 1936-2024

KRUSE, RUSSMAN, HUISMAN

Posted By: Marjorie Brunsting-Volunteer (email)
Date: 5/19/2024 at 14:16:57

Little Rock, IA

Evelyn Kruse age 87 of Little Rock, Iowa died Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at the Osceola Region Hospital in Sibley.

Visitation will be Sunday, April 14th from 4:30 to 6:30 PM with the family present at the Salem Reformed Church, Little Rock, IA.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM on Monday, April 15, 2024, at Salem Reformed Church, Little Rock, IA, with Pastor Daniel Stanley, officiating.

Burial will follow in the Pleasant View Cemetery, Little Rock, IA.

Evelyn Kay Kruse was born June 18, 1936, in Orange City, IA, the daughter of George and Tena (Huisman) Russman. She was raised in Little Rock, IA and attended school, graduating from Little Rock High School in 1954. She then attended Northwestern Academy in Orange City, graduating with a degree in teaching.

Evelyn was united in marriage to Dick Kruse on March 20, 1956, in Killeen, TX, where Dick was serving in the U.S. Army. Dick was discharged in April of 1956 and they moved back to Little Rock, where she began her teaching career. After they purchased their first farm, Evelyn gave up teaching career and quickly became, as Dick would say, “The Best Farm Wife Ever! There were no tasks on the farm Evelyn was not a part of, from milking cows, to feeding chickens, and driving tractors. Evelyn’s talents carried over into her home, with her favorite room being the kitchen. Evelyn’s children and grandchildren will tell you there was nothing better than her cooking, and her “sweet treats”. It was a known fact the local kids would hold out to be hired for baling hay, until Dick called, because they knew Evelyn would be preparing the noon meal. Evelyn spent her last fifteen years prior to retirement, doing what she loved – cooking for the kids in the Little Rock School.

Evelyn was an active, lifelong member of Salem Reformed Church in Little Rock. Evelyn's talent and love for music was evident. She was involved in several choirs and special music groups. She taught music to Bible School students for several years, participated in several work groups and was a lifetime member of Faith Circle.

Evelyn’s greatest joy in life was her family. She loved the time she got to spend with any of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Evelyn insisted on attending as many of the events her family took part in and never failed to tell them how proud she was of them.

She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Dick Kruse of Little Rock, IA; four children, Rhoda (Paul) Hansmann of Boyden, IA, Dan (Deb) Kruse of Rock Rapids, IA, Dana (Audrey) Kruse of Little Rock, IA and Rhona (Dan) Snyder of Rock Rapids, IA; twelve grandchildren, Mallorie (Scott) Egbers, Jennifer (Josh) Davies, Jamie (Jordan) Mouw, Scott (Courtney) Hansmann, Geoff (Jessica) Kruse, Josh (Beth) Kruse, Justina Kruse, Tayler (Andrew) Metzger, Alex (Heidi) Kruse, Cole (Kezia) Snyder, Claire (Newt) Johnson and Carly (Garrett) Sayler; twenty-one great-grandchildren, with one on the way. Also, she is survived by a sister, Twila Voss; a brother, Steve Russman; sisters-in-law, Linda Kruse and Gloria Russman Betty Pope and Jean O’Brien; and many other nieces, nephews and other extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Tena Russman; stepmother, Erma Russman; brother, Emerson Russman; four brothers-in-law, Willis Voss, Ron Pope, Dennis O’Brien and Dale Kruse.

Source: Jurrens Funeral Home online obituary.