Marian B. Kruse

GEORGE, IA Marian Kruse, age 81 of George, IA died December 25, 2008, at Sanford Hospital at Rock Rapids, IA. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 29th at Hope Reformed Church at George, IA with Rev. David Vander Laan, officiating. Burial will follow at Evergreen Lawn Cemetery at George, IA. Visitation will be Sunday from 4:00 " 8:00 p.m. with the family present from 4:00 " 6:00 p.m. at Jurrens Funeral Home of George. Marian Beth Kruse was born December 23, 1927, at Davenport, IA. Marian was adopted at the age of two and was lovingly welcomed into the home of Arthur and Pearl (Roth) Eberline. She grew up on the farm and attended country school south of George and also graduated from George High School in 1946. On April 21, 1946, she was united in marriage to Garret Hofstra at her parents home at George. To this union three beautiful daughters were born. Garret died on December 3, 1955, and Marian was left widowed with three daughters. On August 3, 1956, Marian was united in marriage to Martin Kruse at the Ebenezer Presbyterian parsonage. They made their home on the farm southwest of George. To this union seven more beautiful children were born. Marian was a diligent homemaker, loving wife, mother and grandmother. For many years she worked as a nurses aide at the area nursing homes. She loved to visit with family and friends, embroidery and crossword puzzles. She and Martin enjoyed going out to eat and spending time with each other. Marian was a member of Hope Reformed Church, active in the Esther Circle and Pairs and Spairs. Marian just celebrated her eighty-first birthday before Christmas with many of her family in her home. This Thursday, December 25, 2008, Marian died unexpectedly at Sanford Hospital in Rock Rapids. She is survived by her husband, Martin of George; her children, Ginger (Merle) Van Roekel of Boyden, IA; Margaret Klein of Paulina, IA; Audrey (Dean) Zoet of Sheldon, IA; Jim (Cleone) Kruse of George; Mark Kruse (Sue Murphy) of George; Mary (Darien) Anson of George, IA; Martha Kruse of Mason, TX; Sharon Kruse of George; and Paul (Cindy) Kruse of Sioux Falls, SD; along with nineteen grandchildren, Bradlee (Lorinda) Van Roekel; Leslee (Gwen)Van Roekel; Arlyn Klein; Melissa Klein; Trisha (Ryan) Dau; Cheree (Rich) Zeigler; Christopher (Tami) Koele; Eric Koele; Nathan Kruse; Lila Klein; Penny (Eric) Moser; Kory (Danielle) Klein; Ryan Klein; Matthew (Desirae) Kruse; Jamie Stallman; Nicholas Stallman; Marcus Kruse; Marcia (Mike) Brewster and Joshua (Bliss) Kruse; twenty-two great grandchildren; and one sister, Ardis (Harold) Korthals of George. Marian was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Pearl; husband, Garret Hofstra; daughter, Janice; grandson, Michael Paul Koele; and son-in-law, Arnold Klein.