Mary A. Kruse

Mary A. Kruse, age 100, of Alexandria passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Monday, February 20, 2023, at her home in Glenwood Estates.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, February 25, 2023, at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Alexandria with Rev. Jerry Lanes officiating.  Interment will take place at Evergreen Cemetery in Alexandria.

A visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the church.

Mary Alta Hanson was born on February 17, 1923, to Ole and Emma (Brusven) Hanson in Clarkfield, Minnesota. She grew up on a farm with her nine siblings and attended country school through the 8th grade. In her youth, she often attended dances at the local ballroom in Marshall, where she met her future husband, Daniel Kruse. They married on September 3, 1939, at their pastor's home in Granite Falls. Following their marriage, they farmed near Wood Lake until 1948, when they moved to St. Paul. This was followed by a later move to Spring Lake Park and finally to Bloomington in 1955. While Mary held various jobs throughout her life, her most important role was that of a mother, raising her children with love and care. After Daniel retired from the Ford Motor Company, the couple moved to Forada, where they lived on Maple Lake for 27 years. During this time, Mary became known for her famous krumkake and lefsa, which she loved to cook for family and friends. She also enjoyed spending time on the lake, fishing, golfing, and dancing. Mary was an active member of Bethesda Lutheran Church, where she found comfort and community. In 2007, after many happy years on the lake, Mary and Daniel decided to retire from their lake home and moved to Alexandria. They recently moved to Glenwood Estates in 2022. Despite the many changes in her life, Mary remained a constant source of joy and love to those around her. She will be remembered for her kindness, warmth, and many delicious recipes that brought so much happiness to those who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Alvin, Lloyd, Manley, Harry, Winfred, and Orland; and sisters, Evelyn, and Amy.

Mary is survived by her husband of 83 years, Daniel; three sons, David (Elaine) Kruse of Avon, Jerry (Barb) Kruse of Glenwood, and Dennis (Marsha) Kruse of Crossville Tennessee; daughter, Linda (David) Andell of South Minneapolis; brother, Arden (JoAnne) Hanson of Montevideo; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Serving as casket bearers will be Aaron Andell, Joel Andell, Keith Kruse, Brian Kruse, Paul Kruse, Brad Kruse & Missy Kruse.