Funeral services for Donna Jean Kruse, 92, of Estherville, will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, June 14, 2024, at the Henry-Olson Funeral Chapel in Estherville with Pastor Doug Burton officiating. Interment will be at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery, Estherville. She passed away on Friday, June 7, 2024 at Good Samaritan Society of Estherville.
Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Friday.
Donna Jean Kruse, first of five children born to Gilbert and Millie (Schmidt) Rehborg, was born on November 23, 1931 in rural Harris, Iowa. Donna was raised as a hard worker on the family farm. Donna graduated from high school in Harris, Iowa; she continued her education at Iowa State Teacher’s College for two years. She returned to northwest Iowa and taught at Arnold’s Park. Donna was united in marriage to John “Jack” Kruse on April 18, 1953 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Milford. Shortly after their marriage they moved to Estherville in 1956 to make their home and start their family. She worked many years with Dr. Coon and Dr. Blake at the dental office. Jack passed away in 2008. Donna was able to stay in her home with assistance from her son Mike for the following eight years and also while in the nursing home.
Donna enjoyed many activities, including traveling, fishing, and quilting award-winning quilts. She was quite the seamstress, making all the clothes for her girls up until they were in middle school. She also loved reading, golfing (she even got a hole-in-one at the Graettinger course) and watching westerns on TV. She enjoyed being in the kitchen baking pies and cooking. Donna had a large garden, where she grew a variety of flowers and vegetables. Donna continued to use her creativity in many wood-working projects. She adored her children and grandchildren.
Donna is survived by her children Janine (Alex) Tate of Overland Park, KS, Mike Kruse of Estherville, Connie (Dan) Tryon of Spirit Lake, Mark (Cathy) Kruse of Williston, ND, and Karla Kruse of Spirit Lake; her grandchildren A.J., Zachary, Adjoni, Justin, Aaron, Katie, Carson (Jean), and Carly; great-grandchildren: Cyaa, Cooper, Cara, and Cohen. She is also survived by her sister Marilyn Bycroft of Fort Collins, CO.
Donna is preceded in death by her parents, husband “Jack”, daughter Kathryn Parker, granddaughter Abra Parker, brother Duane Rehborg, and sisters Beverly Rowe and Shirley Krahling.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.henryolsonfuneral.com.
