Lily Kruse Obituary

Lily Pearl Hanson was born July 13, 1914, the sixth of seven children born to Olaf Krum and Petrina (Olson) Hanson, on her parents’ homestead on Ash Creek near Dowling, South Dakota. She grew up in the Dowling area attending the Hanson Rural School before attending Philip High School, graduating in 1931. She then obtained her teacher’s certificate and taught two years of rural school at Pedro and Seven Springs. It was at that time that she met Walter Kruse. Lily saved her money from teaching and attended Nettleton Business College. After completing school, she worked at Sioux Falls Book and Stationery, and later for the IRS in Aberdeen. In 1939 Lily ventured by herself to attend the World’s Fair in New York.
Lily was united in marriage to Walter W. Kruse on April 11, 1942, in Chicago where they continued to live until Walter was drafted in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Later she and their young son, Dick, joined him where he was stationed in Herrington, KS. After Walt’s honorable discharge in 1945, they settled on a farm/ranch west of Interior, where two daughters joined the family. When their youngest child started school, Lily started working at the Badlands National Park and continued working there for 18 years.
Family was her pride and joy. She and Walt drove many miles to make sure their children and friends could participate in school and community activities.
She opened her home to her extended family, too. Relatives from far and wide experienced her warm hospitality. Quite a few nephews spent whole summers working the ranch and sitting at her table.
Her husband Walter preceded her in death on July 26, 1993. Lily remained at the ranch until 1996, when she moved to Philip to live with her sister Anna Davis. In 2008, Lily moved into the Silverleaf Assisted Living Center and lived there until April of this year when she moved into the Philip Nursing Home.
Lily was an active member of the Interior Presbyterian Church and the Presbyterian Women, as well as a member of the Interior Current Events Club for many years.
Lily was a kind and wonderful mother, aunt and sister, and will be missed by all. Survivors include her son Richard Dean Kruse and his wife Ramona of Albuquerque, New Mexico; two daughters Faye Knorr and her husband Gerard of West Bloomfield, Michigan and Cindy Kruse and her husband Brent Harrison of Henderson, Nevada; four grandchildren G. Michael Knorr of Novi, Michigan, Clayton Knorr of Henderson, Nevada, and Jessica Kruse and Walter A. Kruse, both of Albuquerque; and a host of other relatives and friends. In addition to her husband, Lily was preceded in death by her parents; five brothers Harry, Oscar, Ingval, Arlo and Hans T. Hanson; and one sister Anna Davis.
Visitation was held 4-7 p.m. on Friday, September 16, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip, and one hour preceding the services at the hall on Saturday.
Funeral services were held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 17, at the Interior School Gym, with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.
Interment was at the Interior Fairview Cemetery.
A memorial has been established.

FUNERAL SERVICES
Saturday, September 17, 2011 - 11:00 a.m.
Interior School Gym
Interior, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Kathy Chesney
MUSIC
Marianne Kruse - Pianist
Heidi Kruse & Casie Kruse - Vocal Duet
“Amazing Grace”
Charles Kruse & Philip Kruse - Vocal Duet
“In My Heart There Rings A Melody”
READING
Casie Kruse - “The Candy Dish”
Dick Kruse - “Mom’s Kitchen”
USHERS
Ryan Kruse - Paul Kruse - Chad Kruse
PALLBEARERS
Daniel Kruse - Kevin Kruse
David Kruse - Walter A. Kruse
Roger Kruse - Arthur Hanson
Brian Hanson - Ansel Wooden Knife
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT
Interior Fairview Cemetery
Interior, South Dakota

Guest Book

Your parents always had a special place in the hearts of the Madsen children Bruce tells of the things they use to a lot. Know that your are in our prayers at this sad time. Arlo (Bruce) and Bonnie Madsen and family
~ Bonnie Madsen Kadoka S.D. (9/14/2011)

I looked forward every year for Lily to come through on her way to Vegas. She was a sweet and endearing person. She always brought a homemade jam or treat of some kind. I always felt very warm with her care for you when I was around her. We love and will miss her.
~ Cheryl Kruse Rock Springs Wyoming (9/14/2011)

Your Mom was such a wonderful person to visit with, so soft spoken and full of faith. I remember when she and Ann were so excited to have their nephew take them to Nevada for the winters, they had the biggest smiles ready for the warmth of winter and only hear of the cold they were leaving in SD. I know she is in the comfort of Walters arms today.
~ Dorothy Hansen Philip (9/14/2011)

Please know that we always cherished Lily's friendship. She was a very kind and gracious lady. Know that she is with the Lord and at Peace now.
~ Rae Crowser Philip (9/14/2011)

Always a pleasure to visit with Lily at family gatherings. She is the last of my Dad's (Hank Anderson)
cousins and all of Dad's siblings have too passed on.
~ Elsie Bak Ft. Pierre, SD (9/14/2011)

Both Bob and I grew to love Lily Pearl while we worked at the Badlands. I never knew her to say one bad word about anybody. She was truly a lovely lady and so much fun.

~ Julie Powell (Robert) 3509 Hall St. Rapid City, SD (9/14/2011)

Lily was always such a gracious lady and such a wonderful person. She was a blessing to everyone, and I am sure she is being blessed by God as she sits now in God's presence.
~ the Rev. Mark Ford St. Cloud, MN (9/14/2011)

Lily was always kind to us kids, we were close to uncle Walt and Aunt Lily and she was one of the best cooks I can remember. I know for sure I had a lot of good meals there. All of us kids will sure miss her but we’ll never forget her, that’s for sure. There is no words that can express the Love of a Mother especially when she’s gone. We all will sure miss you Aunt Lily now that your gone that for sure. Roger and Cheryl Kruse.

~ Roger Kruse 1032 Oakway Rock Springs Wy 82901 (9/14/2011)

Dick, Faye, Cindy and Families, our thoughts and prayers are of you at this time. The many memories we made at your home will never be forgotten, climbing badlands etc.
~ Eugene & Marjorie Brookens Dell Rapids, SD (9/14/2011)

Our thoughts and prayers are with you on the loss of you loved one,
~ Randy & Debbie Shepard Wall (9/14/2011)

I'm so sorry to hear of Lily's passing, she was one of my "angels" when I worked at Silverleaf. She was truly a wonderful lady & I have many fond memories of her. God Bless you all. Debbie Falzone
~ Debbie Falzone Philip, SD (9/14/2011)

I didn't get to know Lily for a long period, but she was just one of those people that she made you feel like you had been her friend for life. Lily was one of the sweetest, kindest lady that I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I've always felt that I am a composite of all that have touched my life, and she sure made me a better person because she shared herself with me. She will always be remembered in my heart. My prayers and thoughts are with you during this time. Shirley Chin
~ Shirley Chin Philip (9/14/2011)

Lily Kruse

of Interior, South Dakota, died on Wednesday, September 14, 2011
at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip at the age of 97

Service Details

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Lily Kruse

of Interior, South Dakota, died on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip at the age of 97

Service Details

Guest Book

Flowers

of Interior, South Dakota, died on Wednesday, September 14, 2011
at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip at the age of 97