Tillie Mildred Van Anken

Little Rock, IA Tillie Van Anken, age 98 of Little Rock, IA died Monday, November 17, 2008 at Sanford Hospital of Rock Rapids. Funeral service will be 2:00 PM, Monday, November 24, 2008 at the Salem Reformed Church in Little Rock, IA, with Reverend Brian Hellenga officiating. Burial will follow at the Pleasant View Cemetery in Little Rock. Visitation will be Sunday, November 23rd, from 3-7 PM at the Jurrens Funeral Home of Sibley. Tille Mildred Kruse-Van Anken was born in rural Osceola County to Tenges Tom and Nannie (Voss) Kruse on August 28, 1910. She lived with her family on a farm northwest of Sibley where she attended school at West Holman Township #6. On June 4, 1935, she was united in marriage to John Van Anken in Little Rock. They lived on a farm southwest of George, and in 1947 moved to their farm northwest of Sibley. In 1974 they retired, enjoyed traveling, including two trips to Europe and in 1982 they moved to their home in Little Rock. Tillie enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening on their farm. She also enjoyed arranging and being a hostess for many wedding, special occasions and the Little Rock High School Alumni Banquets. Tillie loved to entertain family and friends in their home. She was a member of Salem Reformed Church, Willing Workers Society and R.C.W. She was a charter member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Little Rock. On November 17th Tillie passed away at the Rock Rapids Hospital at the age of 98. Tillie is survived by her son, Elgin (Sandra) and two grandchildren, Rick Jon and Marissa Ann all of Bloomington, MN; sisters-in-law, Mary Kruse, Miriam Kruse, Martha Kruse; many nieces, nephews; and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, John (1998); sisters, Margaret and Ida Kruse (1925), Katherine Heronemus (1985), Carrie Ackerman (1994), Elma Klaassen (2000) and Mary Schultz (2008); brothers, an infant, Harvey Kruse (1973), Albert Kruse (1995), John Kruse (2002) and Leslie Kruse (2007).