Lela Mae Kruse (Christopherson)

The family made some changes to the obituary, so resending to you.
Thanks,
Michelle Mount

Lela Mae Kruse, 90, of Vermillion, SD passed away Thursday, August 22, 2019 at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD. Funeral Services are 10:30 A.M. Monday, August 26, 2019 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Vermillion. A Committal Service will follow at Bluff View Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Sunday, August 25, 2019 at Hansen Funeral Home in Vermillion with a 7:00 P.M. Prayer Service. Mount Funeral Home of Platte, SD is handling arrangements.

Lela Mae (Christopherson) Kruse was born on July 21, 1929 to Walter and Alice (Brown) Christopherson in Vermillion, SD. She was united in marriage to Deryl Wayne Kruse on January 7, 1947. They made their life together in Vermillion where they raised their six children.

Lela enjoyed camping and outdoor activities with her family and friends, reading, crafts, bowling, playing cards and board games. Most of all she loved being with her family and friends and attending her grandchildren and great grandchildren’s events. She was an avid bowler, bowling on a team for many years with her four sisters. Lela loved watching and cheering on the Chicago Cubs.

She worked outside the home at USD for many years in the Admissions Office and enjoyed meeting and getting to know new people. Deryl and Lela spent many winters camping in Texas with various camping friends and many holidays hosting family and extended family and friends. Dakota Gardens had been Lela’s home for last few years.

Grateful for having shared in Lela’s life: three children: Linda (Al) Kruse of Marshall, MN, Nancy Kruse of Soldotna, AK and Mike (Laurie) Kruse of Vermillion, SD; daughter-in-law, Carlotta Kruse of Vermillion, SD; six grandchildren: Jay (Stacey) Yates, Seth (Linda) Ralph, Michael (Beth) Kruse, Matt (Kelsey) Kruse, Megan (Kevin) Kalil and Shawn (Becca) Kruse; 10 great grandchildren: Shawn Harley Ralph (fiancé, Peaches), Zach and Caden Yates, Emma and Michael Kruse, Conner Ganschow, Kinsley and Dexter Kalil, Maddison and Peyton Kruse; along with many nieces and nephews.

Lela was preceded in death by her husband, Deryl Kruse (Mar. 31, 2012); two daughters: Mary Jo (Bill) Ralph and Carol Kruse; a son, Tom Kruse; her parents and sisters.