Carol Joan Kruse

Carol Joan Kruse, age 90, of Storm Lake, Iowa died Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at Methodist Manor Retirement Community in Storm Lake. Funeral services will take place Monday, July 1, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in rural Storm Lake. Burial will be in the Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery. Visitation will take place Sunday, June 30, 2024 from 3-5:00 p.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements. Carol Joan Stern was born September 17, 1933 to Emil and Rose Louise (Grieme) Stern in Storm Lake. On January 24, 1954, Carol was united in marriage to Don Kruse at Zion Lutheran Church in Storm Lake. Don and Carol were blessed with seven children: Retha, Renee, Russell, Randy, Ramon, Rhonda, and Rebecca. Carol was always on the go and cleaned houses in Storm Lake for years. She sewed all her girls’ clothing and loved tending to her vegetable and flower garden. In her younger years, Carol enjoyed playing in golf league. She looked forward to game nights, playing cards and Bingo. In her free time, Carol found joy in crafts and feeding the birds. More than anything, Carol treasured time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Left to cherish the memory of Carol include her children: Retha (Jerry) Wirth of Spencer, Iowa; Renee (Tom) Phillips of Laurens, Iowa; Russell (Sandy) Kruse of Alta, Iowa; Randy (Julie) Kruse of Storm Lake, Iowa; Ramon (Denise Bock) Kruse of Belmond, Iowa; Rhonda (Richard) Archer of Bricelyn, Minnesota; Rebecca (Jeff) Kindwall of Spirit Lake, Iowa; brother: Merlin (Bernice) Stern; grandchildren: Jayme (Mandie) Richter; Kari (Jeremy) Rausch; DeaDra (Mark) Jeter; Carl (Melissa) Brent; Vanessa (Henry) Harder; Amee Lundberg; Monica Munro; Katie (Brandon) Berkland; Robyn (Patrick) Diekman; Traci (Matt) Beerbower; Trista (Mark) Mikkelson; Tiffany (Tyler) Kruid; Mandi Kruse; Tiffanie (Jay Gray) Kruse; Trista (Brian) Burke; Ryan (Jessica) Kruse; Jessica Greene; Megan (Matt) Spreacker; Allison (Colby Stevens) Lundgren; Kyle Bock; Nash (Samantha) Bock; Shawn (Michelle) Archer; Shannon (Corrie) Archer; Shaina (Ty) Watson; Derek (Kelsey) Kindwall; Riley (Mara) Kindwall; great-grandchildren: Dakota (Manuel) Harms; Kailee; Aubree; Dylan (Alli); Peyton; Gavin; Austin; Evan; Collin; Owen; Evelyn; Caroline; Madison; Abbigal; Drew; Jake; Morgan; Kennady; Hayden; Mia; Braydon; Benson; Cooper; Cora; Austin; Matty; Eastyn; Collins; Jack; Xandra; Sydney (Brett Wells); Brennan; Landen; Hunter; Noah; Brody; Braxton; Brayden; Evan; Ellie; Lenix; Kadin; Adyson; Isabella; Braylen; Paige; Bowen; Avery; Parker; Devan; Carter; Hailey; Samantha; Ryder; Carson; Jackson; Nolan; Kezli; Maverick; Waylon; Watson; great-great grandchildren: Bentley; Mia; Kolsen; Alex; Alivia; siblings-in-law: Janice Kruse; Audrey Stern; many nieces and nephews, cousins, and extended family. She is preceded in death by her parents: Emil and Rose Stern; husband: Donald Kruse; brothers: Verle Stern; Kenneth Stern; great-great grandchildren: Hannah and Aiden Kruse; Gage Burke; nephew: David Stern; and great-nephew: Justin Stoner.

Carol Joan Kruse

September 17, 1933 - June 26, 2024